Home Appointments & Contracts International Entrepreneur Appointed as CEO of Leeds Based Search Laboratory

International Entrepreneur Appointed as CEO of Leeds Based Search Laboratory

Leeds based digital agency, Search Laboratory, has announced a major move this week, with the appointment of a new CEO to lead the company’s growth ambitions moving into 2019 and beyond. Appointed to the role is Chris Attewell, an international entrepreneur, who has already helped establish the business’ New York offices and expand its global integrated service outreach from the Leeds based head office.

Having set up the digital agency in 2005, the current CEO, Ian Harris, will assume the role of Executive Chairman as part of the move, which will see him retain a visible role within the business. The news comes following the recent announcement that Search Laboratory has become one of the few UK based agencies to gain Certified Company status for Google’s Search Ads 360 – a prestigious accolade for any digital agency.

Chris takes on the role of CEO, having previously worked as global sales director at Search Laboratory, where he worked with clients to maximise profits from their international websites through ethical search engine optimisation, PPC, programmatic display, online PR and social media, in over 25 different languages.

Ian comments on the decision to appoint Chris as CEO: “The business has grown from strength to strength over the past 13 years and we are now in the strong position of being on the cusp of a new growth cycle. Chris has demonstrated a real drive, passion and understanding for the business ethos, and I feel it is this commitment to innovative digital marketing the business requires as it rides the crest of this new expansion phase.


“With a proven track record in his seven years here at Search Laboratory, I have every confidence Chris will continue to build on the innovation, integration and quality that sets us apart from our competitors. Maintaining an executive role within the business means I can continue to add value, whilst Chris gets his teeth stuck into the future and vision for the business as we move forward.”

Chris commented on his new appointment: “Search Laboratory offers something new and innovative when it comes to search, digital and online optimisation for businesses. Our integrated approach to search, particularly involving the Google Marketing Platform stack, is entirely unique and I want to really focus on building this concept for businesses as part of my future vision for the company. It’s no secret I have big shoes to fill, Ian lives and breathes what we do here at Search Laboratory and with a 100% satisfaction rating as a CEO and employer on Glassdoor, I certainly have my work cut out to build on his undeniable success.

“Thankfully, I will be working very closely with Ian to ensure the company continues to move towards our joint vision as a company – something our clients and team alike are all fully invested in. It’s certainly an exciting time for the business and I’m incredible excited about getting behind the wheel and helping to grow Ian and the team’s legacy.”
Priding their service offering on innovative, agile and holistic digital marketing, including analytical and data science, Google Analytics 360, SEO, PPC, social media and programmatic display, the agency is widely recognised as the digital leader in the North. This in part due to the major house-hold names across the UK and internationally the agency works with from its Leeds headquarters, in addition to being awarded impressive accolades such as The Sunday Times best employers list.