Rick Hirst

As Chief Executive Officer of Carat, Rick is responsible for redefining the role of a media agency in the digital economy and helping clients bridge the gap between creative and media to deliver impactful and effective communications.



Previously CEO of creative agency mcgarrybowen, Rick led that business through its greatest phase of growth. Since 2013, when Rick joined, the agency added clients including Sky Bet, Western Union, adidas and monster.com. It also saw unprecedented success in the creative awards, winning at Cannes for two consecutive years.

Prior that that, Rick was Client Services Director at Engine running the BMW, Warburtons and Global Radio accounts. Before Engine, Rick worked at BBH leading the global FMCG Unilever Lynx business; Fallon where he made the multi award-winning “like no other” campaign for Sony; and Lowe, where he learnt his trade on the Orange Mobile business.

Rick was elected member of the IPA Council in 2015 and now serves as chairman of the IPA Talent Board, tasked with bringing brilliant young talent into the industry and growing the reputation of the advertising and marketing industry.

Rick loves nothing more than being a husband and a dad. Lego, football, cycling and Sonos are all staples of his life outside London at the weekends. Just not at the same time.