Communications agency Happy Giraffe has appointed a former university marketing executive as its new managing director.

The firm has taken on David Cooper, previously in charge of marketing and business engagement at the University of Birmingham where he was played a key role in the relaunch of the university’s business brand.

During his time there he devised the university’s national heroes campaign and led the branding of major initiatives such as the Birmingham Science City Research Alliance – part of a £67 million project.

Mr Cooper said: “I am extremely pleased to have this opportunity.

“In the current economic environment agencies need to be far more responsive and focused on client needs.

“Building on the company’s existing foundations will give me the opportunity to develop a creative cutting-edge agency with a national reputation and the capability to deliver an outstanding service to all of our clients.”