Edelman names new head of UK technology practice

Edelman has announced the appointment Justin Westcott as managing director of its UK technology practice, succeeding the recently-promoted Matt Hurst.

Mr Westcott has been with the agency for eight years and returns to Edelman's UK office after spending three years working in various roles at its United Arab Emirates division. He has experience of working in both the UK and UAE technology practices.

Meanwhile, Mr Hurst has taken over as global executive vice-president of culture, a role that will see him lead a group examining Edelman's international culture, assessing ways of offering improved global thinking and strategy to the agency's clients.

He will continue to provide counsel for his technology clients following this promotion.

Steve Spurr, chief operating officer of Edelman, said he can "think of no better person" than Mr Hurst to take on the new role, while praising Mr Westcott as "a great leader".

This comes after Edelman was ranked as the top tech PR agency in the UK in a list compiled by industry publication PRWeek last year.