Exciting change is afoot here at Thompson. We are extremely pleased to announce that the senior management team have completed an MBO, taking the reins from founder Ian Thompson, and Managing Director Nick Ramshaw. After building the company for 35 years, Ian is reducing his commitment to the agency to spend more time on his other interests, and Nick will also exit, while helping to ensure a smooth transition with no disruption to clients.

The new management team is made up of Chris Skelton, Paul McGuigan and Rachel Cook. Rachel is Managing Director, overseeing client services and marketing, Chris heads up all output and oversees all Creative and Design output, Paul is responsible for brand strategy. Chris Kemm continues as Digital Director. Together, the team are committed to growing the business, with a focus on delivering strategic and creative excellence.

We’ve been preparing for the move for some time now, enlisting the support of Non-Exec directors Mark Runacus (founder of Karmarama and now of Wax/On) and Davnet Reid (Head of Marketing at Sky Bet).

Chris explains what it means for the agency:

“There’s already so much to be excited about in this business: Ian has helped us build a fantastic reputation and portfolio of work; there’s a studio full of exceptional talent and we’re lucky to have some amazing clients and projects. But we can also see opportunity to grow and make things even better.

We’ve got nearly 20 years at Thompson between the three of us, so we know the business extremely well, including how much more we’re capable of. With a new burst of energy, and a particular focus on growing our digital offering, we can push into some new and incredibly exciting areas of creative work. For us, it’s about building on all the strengths and heritage of the agency, whilst sharpening our focus for the future. Even with all the opportunity we see ahead though, we’re not losing sight of the core passions of the agency: branding and design. They are the disciplines the agency was built on and will always be central to what we do.

We’re privileged to have Ian and Nick put their trust in us to carry on the 35+ year legacy of exceptional branding and design work at Thompson, and to have their continued support as we go into this exciting new phase in our history.”

Ian, who will continue to consult with the business says:

“I’m delighted to be able to give the team the opportunity to take on the company. They are undoubtedly the right people for the job and this is the natural time for me to step aside and let the new team develop what has been built over 35 years. I’m ready to see what I’m capable of creatively as a film maker and I’m also ready to work with other creative teams to see if my experience can help them too. It’s a truly fulfilling moment when you can watch your company turn into something new, in fresh hands. This wonderful team have my warmest wishes and full support.”

We look forward to sharing more of the exciting changes at Thompson over the coming months and would like to thank our team and our clients for their amazing support as we begin this exciting new chapter.