The former head of the largest agency group outside London has joined Fearless Adventures – the investment fund and growth platform for direct-to-consumer e-commerce companies, founded by Dominic McGregor, David Newns and Charlie Yates.
Rachel McDonald, joins the firm in a new role as its first Managing Director. The former CEO of Dentsu North, who stepped down in January 2021, revealed her commitment to creating “the next Hut Group, Boohoo or AO”.
As Dentsu North CEO, McDonald managed seven offices in England and Scotland, overseeing at least 800 staff across agencies including Carat, iProspect and Amplifi.
Commenting on her appointment, McDonald said: “[The] potential for my role is huge. I get to help accelerate the growth of some of the most exciting entrepreneurs in the UK, ones with global ambitions. And my team and I will make this happen in the North – a developing region that I’m so passionate about.
“There’s so much talent here to nurture that I believe we can create the next Hut Group, Boohoo or AO with some of the partners at Fearless Adventures.”
Fearless Adventures was launched in October as a fund to support new and ambitious direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands, providing financial capital, marketing and talent recruitment services.
Recently, the organisation has backed Swim Society, a sustainable swimwear label from a former Love Island star; and Pets Purest, a natural supplement brand for animals.
Dominic McGregor, Founder and Managing Partner, said: “We wanted to find an MD for Fearless who agrees with our vision for where startup investment and marketing is going in the future. Having been in the industry for 20 years, Rachel has seen it all and agrees with our idea of what’s next.”
