Proximity sets up design shop with ex-Saatchi talent

In his new role, he will build a specialised design team and be working with internal and external clients. Normanton's work with Proximity's existing clients will commence immediately and he will report directly to executive creative director Caitlin Ryan.

The position of head of design was created in June 2005 and was previously held by David Farley, who the agency said left "amicably" earlier this year.

Amanda Phillips, chief executive of Proximity London, said: "Our dedicated design team will provide highly original and innovative creative expertise for existing and new clients alike."

Normanton has also been a guest lecturer at the University of Leeds speaking on design, advertising and communication. He also collaborated with Dave Askwith on the popular book 'The Signs of Life', a visual parody of public signs, published in 2005 by Harper Collins. A follow-up is due this year.
 
Normanton said: "I wanted somewhere that would offer me an open brief, creative freedom and a passion for concept driven design -- Proximity London was able to offer all of this. It is a company which places ideas at the heart of everything it does and I'm looking forward to building and developing an award-winning design team."

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