Deepend Group has appointed former Google innovation lead Chris Rollings as Head of Product Innovation.

Rollings, who previously spent eight years with Google's Partner Innovation team, will be tasked with driving the group's efforts to create and launch groundbreaking products, platforms, and movements.

The independent, communications, technology and innovation consultancy group includes digital experience firm Deepend, communications agency History Will Be Kind and innovation shop How To Impact.

Rollings' appointment comes as Deepend Group shifts its approach to Research & Development (R&D), with a focus on Relevance & Demand. In his new role, Rollings will work with clients to identify white space, create and test new concepts, and track their performance.

"25 plus years in this ever-evolving space, proves one thing: we are committed to staying ahead of the curve. We not only listen to market needs, but we anticipate them," said CEO of Deepend Group, Matt Griffin. "With Chris joining as our Head of Product Innovation, we're set to continue creating products that not only anticipate demand but also tell a story through their design and content helping to drive down future marketing spend."

Rollings is also the founder of Dare Together, an organisation that aims to empower teams to ethically harness Artificial Intelligence (AI).

"Deepend Group can build compelling, relevant and demand generating experiences, with the creativity, storytelling, coms, content and PR needed to engage consumers at a much deeper level. I'm thrilled to be part of this journey, to be working with such a multifaceted team of experts and to lead the agency's push into new, innovative territories," said Rollings.