Square in the Air appoints Ben Cleminson as CEO as part of leadership changes

Ollie Drew becomes Chief Operating Officer; Robin Hutchison Chief Commercial Officer as Founder and former MD Bill Esdaile moves into Chairman role

Global award-winning marketing agency Square in the Air has promoted Ben Cleminson to CEO, with Founder and former Managing Director Bill Esdaile becoming Chairman.

Cleminson, the first person to join the company back in 2007, has worked alongside Esdaile and the firm’s management team to build Square in the Air into a full-service marketing agency with clients all over the world and a team of more than 50 employees based in London, Manchester and New York.

As part of the restructure, former Director Ollie Drew, who joined Square in the Air in 2009, becomes Chief Operating Officer, with Robin Hutchison, also formerly a Director, who joined the agency in 2012, appointed as Chief Commercial Officer. The new leadership team will report to Esdaile, who set up Square in the Air in 2006.

Ben Cleminson, CEO of Square in the Air, said: “It is almost 17 years to the day when I walked into that small side office in a house not too far from Stoke for my first day at Square in the Air.

“Although we haven’t enjoyed quite the same growth as the nearby bet365, it has been an incredible journey, and I don’t think Bill or I could ever have imagined back then where we’d be today.

“I know both Ollie and Robin would agree with me when I say that Bill has been the most incredible mentor and leader, and personally I am truly honoured to step up into the CEO role.

“We have a brilliant roster of clients and a hugely talented team who push themselves every day to think creatively and strategically, always focused on delivering results. We’ll continue to do that and more.”

Bill Esdaile, Founder and Chairman of Square in the Air, said: “I’ve been extremely lucky to have had the loyalty and support of Ben, Ollie and Robin for over 40 years between them.

“The time is right for me to step into a new role as Chairman where I can still strategically be involved but allow the three of them their chance to run the business.

“I’m so grateful for their hard work and dedication, and I look forward to Square in the Air continuing to blossom.”

Square in the Air works with operators, suppliers and affiliates across sport, betting and gaming, offering services including digital and traditional PR, social media and influencer management, ambassador and sponsorship activation, design and branding, video and content production, and performance marketing.