Velstar has appointed Peter Birks as its new CEO, as Dan Sheard takes up a new role to focus on growth.
Birks has decades of experience as former VP and Managing Director of Office Depot; VP, European Retail at Staples and CEO at Ryman.
His role at the Liverpool and Leeds-based digital marketing agency will be to focus on the integration of the recently acquired 9xb and We Teach CRO businesses, while also “steering Velstar into the next phase of its continued and structured growth.”
That growth will also be the focus of Sheard, who moves from the CEO role, to that of Founder. He’ll be concentering on revenue growth, expanding the company’s brand and managing its partner relationships.
“In Peter, we are very fortunate to have found a very experienced leader, with a proven track record in growing and professionalising businesses, as well as in integrating acquisition targets,” said Sheard.
“His experience will allow for a swift integration of the acquired businesses, and a larger focus on robust processes to support Velstar’s main assets, our esteemed clients and our excellent people.
”In my new role as Founder, Peter can count on my full and unwavering support. I personally am very excited to be focusing on growing the Velstar brand further, by delighting our existing and attracting new customers, and managing our partner relationships.”
Velstar, a Shopify Plus, B2B development and marketing agency, employs around 120 people and says it expects to generate £10m of revenue in FY 2024.
“I am very pleased to be given the opportunity to assist Velstar in its ambitious growth and change agenda,” said Birks.
“The Velstar group of companies has a deep talent pool, focusing on exceeding its clients expectations and is poised to rapidly become one of the largest development and marketing agencies in the UK. I am grateful for the warm welcome I have received from my new colleagues at Velstar and look forward to our shared journey of client centricity and exceptional financial results.”
