Spark Foundry UK names new chief executive as Pete Edwards departs

Pete Edwards, chief executive of Spark Foundry UK, is leaving and the agency has hired Croud’s Emil Bielski as his successor.

Bielski will assume the chief executive role from Monday (25 March) and report to Niel Bornman, chief executive of Publicis Media UK. 

Bornman said Bielski brought with him a “wealth of experience in leading successful teams,” and that his skills will bring “valuable opportunities” for teams in the agency, as well as clients.

Bielski joins from Croud where he has been managing director since July 2020. Before that, he was chief strategy officer at iProspect for two and a half years.

Bielski said Spark Foundry had been on an “incredible journey” and said: “With the vast expertise and capabilities already in place, the potential is limitless and am committed to shaping this agency into a place where both clients and talent aspire to collaborate and belong.”

Edwards joined Spark in 2019 as chief client officer before taking on the role of chief executive in 2020.

He was previously a founding partner at Edwards Groom Saunders, which was sold to The Engine Group in 2009. He then worked in various capacities for the group, including chief strategy officer and, before joining Spark, chief executive at Engine Media UK.

Edwards said: “After leading Spark Foundry through four outstanding years of growth and strengthening our position among our peers, now feels like the right time for me to pass on the baton. I leave behind some of the best talent in our industry and will continue to cheer them all on from afar.”

Edwards’ departure follows a leadership reshuffle at Spark, with Marcos Angelides and Kate Anthony taking managing director roles and Nigel Waring promoted to chief operating officer.

Bornman thanked Edwards for his “outstanding leadership, commitment and for everything he has accomplished in recent years” and wished him “all the best." 

Bornman added: “He leaves the agency in excellent health, laying a solid foundation for its future.”