IDHL appoints Jonathan Healey to drive AI technology strategy

IDHL has appointed Jonathan Healey to the newly created role of Group Technology Director as the digital tech partner seeks to accelerate its AI-focused technology strategy across the UK and US.

Healey will report directly to Chief Executive Officer Lewis Sellers and will be tasked with leading IDHL's technology strategy throughout the organisation. His remit includes particular emphasis on delivery platforms and systems, AI advancement and optimisation, as well as the development of proprietary systems deemed critical to the company's growth plans in the evolving digital marketplace.

This appointment is intended to strengthen IDHL's leadership and enable clients to achieve swifter outcomes, increased operational efficiency, and competitive advantage through technology- and AI-based solutions across the agency group's integrated digital services portfolio.

Healey brings more than 25 years of experience in technology leadership to the role. He has played a significant role in IDHL's development since joining NetConstruct in 2007, which was later acquired by IDHL in 2013. During his time at NetConstruct, Healey rose to the position of Managing Director and oversaw a fourfold increase in revenue.

In 2023, Healey was named joint Managing Director of IDHL's Web & eCommerce division. In this position, he steered the integration of five separate agencies into a single, unified offer that underpins the ongoing expansion of the division.

His experience spans modern web technology platforms, software development, IT infrastructure, and platform architecture. Healey is recognised for leading cross-functional technology teams and overseeing complex systems implementation projects, positioning him for the new challenge of spearheading IDHL's technology and AI roadmap.

As Group Technology Director, Healey will assume responsibility for the company's technology strategy across its core operational systems, including IDHL's proprietary technology platform. He will drive expanded AI deployment and advances in technology-driven innovation to benefit clients, employees, and partners.

"The impact AI is having on the industry makes it an exciting time to take on this expanded role and help shape IDHL's future through further enhancement of our tech offer. During my 17-year journey with IDHL, I've witnessed the transformational impact technology has had on both our internal capabilities and the exceptional results we deliver for clients. I'm looking forward to drawing on my experience and long-standing passion for AI to help drive our next phase of growth," Jonathan Healey said.

Healey's appointment comes amid ongoing strategic growth and follows IDHL's recent acquisition of The MTM Agency, marking another step in IDHL's trajectory as a technology-enabled business operating in both the UK and US markets.

"Jonathan's appointment as Group Technology Director marks a pivotal moment as we accelerate our position as an AI-powered business. With over 25 years of experience across IT, operations, systems development, and AI, he brings both deep technical expertise and a profound understanding of our business. Jonathan has consistently demonstrated innovation, leadership, and a relentless focus on operational excellence - making him the ideal person to lead the next phase of our technology evolution and AI-focused strategy," Lewis Sellers, Chief Executive Officer, IDHL, said.

IDHL currently has a team of over 450 digital professionals across the UK and US. The group includes Fostr, a luxury eCommerce specialist, and the recently acquired The MTM Agency, with offices in London, Leeds, Manchester, Southampton, and New York. IDHL's growth strategy is supported by Bridgepoint, and the business is recognised with a range of industry partnerships and awards, reflecting its capabilities across digital performance marketing, web and eCommerce solutions, and data intelligence.

The focus on technology and AI comes as the agency seeks to help clients realise faster project delivery, tangible business outcomes, and better competitiveness through customised, high-impact technology strategies.