Oliver Group appoints new tech and innovation head from Havas London

Oliver Group has announced the appointment of Michael Olaye as its new group chief technology officer, overseeing innovation and new business development.

Mr Olaye will join the agency from Havas London, where he served as head of technology. He will make the move in June and will also play an important role in helping to build the digital offering of Oliver Group subsidiary Dare, which was acquired last year.

During his five years at Havas London, Mr Olaye was credited with helping the agency significantly improve its digital capabilities, while he has also worked for Xplorer, Hyperlink-Interactive Creative Partnership and U-dox over the course of a 17-year career.

He has been featured in Creativepool's Top 100 Creative Industry Influencers list, The Drum Digerati, and as a guest speaker at events such as the Cristal Digital Festival.

Brian Cooper, chief creative officer of Oliver Group UK, said: "His experience and insight in marrying technology strategy and innovation will be hugely beneficial for our clients, and he will play a key role across the business as we continue to bridge the gap between strategy and creative execution."

His appointment comes at a time of substantial growth for Oliver Group, which opened a new Manchester office in April and appointed Sharon Whale as its new chief executive last December.