Marketing and digital recruitment agency Forward Role has appointed Brian Johnson as its new Managing Director.

Johnson, who joined in 2014 as Operations Director, has taken the firm from a five-person business based in Bolton, to the largest marketing and digital recruiter in the North of England – with 35 staff based out of their Manchester city centre offices.

Founder Steve Thompson will stay with the business in a strategic marketing and business development capacity and continue to head up the businesses’ executive search brand; FR Executive.

“I’d like to put on record my thanks to Brian, for his dedication over the last six years” Thompson said. “I think one of the hardest things to do as an entrepreneur is find someone who is as committed and passionate as you are about your business. Brian has been responsible for creating the key pillars for growth that have enabled the business to double in turnover every two years; the main one being a culture of constant learning and development that has allowed us to grow such a high performing team.”

On his appointment, Brian said:

“Forward Role has continued to go from strength to strength and I’m pleased to have delivered on the goals that Steve and I set out, when we first met six years ago. I’d also like to thank all our clients and partners for their continued support. 2020 is an exciting year for us – with industry leading innovations in the pipeline and the expansion of our Digital, Technology and Contract divisions already under way.”