Marketing agency Leader Marketing Partnership has changed its ownership structure to become an employee ownership trust (EOT).
The agency, which has eight members of staff, was founded in 1965 by Bryan Holden, joined by his son James in 1983, who then took on the role of managing director in 1991. As part of the employee ownership transition, James Holden will depart from his role, but retain an involvement as a consultant and minority shareholder.
Current employees Faye Hampson, Tracy Taylor and Alister Foye will become directors and be part of Leader Marketing Partnership’s new senior management team.
According to the agency, it made the decision to become an EOT in order to recognise employees’ contributions over the years, and to maintain a culture of collaboration, with more opportunities to share ideas, interests and growth as a team.
James Holden said: “Our philosophy at Leader has always been to provide a director-led service driven by senior marketing specialists, who bring experience from every level and aspect of agency and in-house marketing.
“The Leader team, some of whom I have worked alongside for more than 20 years, are all committed to providing the best possible service for clients and this was integral to our resilience and growth during the Covid-19 pandemic. I am confident that the Leader legacy is in safe hands with a team that share a commitment to keeping its values alive.”
Hampson added: “It’s a really exciting time for Leader and I feel privileged to be part of its new leadership team. We are incredibly grateful to James, who has so brilliantly led Leader for more than three decades, and share his commitment and passion for delivering great work for our clients.”
James de le Vingne, chief executive of the Employee Ownership Association, said: “We congratulate our members Leader Marketing Partnership on its transition to employee ownership; securing the ethos, values and culture of the business, as well as rooting jobs in Warwickshire.”
