A former executive for Sir Richard Branson has been appointed chief executive at one of the county's leading marketing and digital agencies.

Alex Tai, previously chief operating officer of Virgin Galactic and head of Virgin's Formula 1 motor racing team, will take over the reins at Medway-based Zest the Agency.

His appointment comes after the departure of group MD Belinda Collins earlier this summer.

Zest, which works between offices in London's Regent Street and Lordswood, delivers campaigns for global brands, with teams working across brand, marketing, digital, social and PR.

Alex Tai said: "I am excited at the opportunity to lead Zest and its excellent team. The company is positioning itself to be a leading integrated marketing and digital agency in London and the south east, but with a reach far beyond the M25 corridor."

Helen Banyard and David Gyertson will run the business on a day-to-day basis, moving up from their previous roles heading up the marketing and digital teams respectively.

Helen Banyard said: "His strength is turning winners into champions. Zest's capabilities are ever-growing as exciting new opportunities open, we provide full digital and marketing services to new markets as well as working closely with established clients."

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