Data strategy agency Fuel, part of the Engine group, has appointed Charles Ping as its new chief executive.
The former Direct Marketing Association chairman replaces Simon Wall who is leaving the agency "to pursue other interests".
Ping started his career at the Financial Times before moving on to News International and then the Guardian, where he was head of customer relationship management.
Most recently he has been commercial director at AI Data Intelligence and strategy director at Communisis Data Intelligence.
Debbie Klein, chief executive of Engine UK, said: "A true understanding of data is so often the key to unlocking a brand’s full potential so I am delighted that we are being joined by such a skilled practitioner.
"Charles has great knowledge of the new strategic approach to making big data bite sized - and then releasing its commercial benefit. He will be a great asset to the team.”