Mark has been MD at Manchester agency Origin since 2007, having previously been creative director.
The appointment sees joint founder Kevin Murphy take semi-retirement.
Kevin said: “I’m sure we have found the right person in Mark. In the last three years, the management team and I have transformed the agency’s offering, adding world-class digital expertise to our skill-set, enhancing our ability to sell product and build brands for our clients in every channel.”
Ian McKay, Digital Director and joint founder, added: “The Foundry is now about to write a new chapter in its growth story, led by someone who we all know has huge talent and unstoppable tenacity.”
Mark has experience in sectors including retail, automotive, healthcare and sport, recently playing a key role in getting Origin onto the BBC Creative Services roster.
He said: “I have admired The Foundry’s work and style for many years and am very excited to be joining the team, helping to take Kevin and Ian’s vision forward and building an even better, stronger agency.”
