A management buyout of North East digital marketing agency Podium has been completed, with ownership transferring to three long-standing members of its senior team.
Ownership of Newcastle-HQ’d Podium, a digital marketing agency specialising in SEO, PPC and social media management, has transferred to Sarah McKevitt, Lia Gordon and Katie Toman.
Founder and managing director Andy Thevarokiam, who set up the company in 2012, is stepping back from day-to-day leadership.
McKevitt, Toman and Gordon have held long-standing roles within the company and have been closely involved in its growth and client delivery over a number of years. They will now jointly lead the next phase of the business, with a focus on continuity for clients and further development of the agency’s offering.
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The buyout ensures the company remains independent and rooted in Newcastle, and the company has plans to increase its local client base by 20% over the next 12 months.
The transition marks a planned shift in leadership, with Thevarokiam remaining involved while handing over operational control to the new ownership team.
The former MD said: “This decision comes with a great deal of pride. It’s not goodbye, but the start of something new. Sarah, Lia and Katie have been central to the business for years and know it inside out.”
He added: “The service and results our clients expect will remain unchanged, with fresh energy driving the next phase. The business is in safe hands, and I’ll continue to support the team as they take it forward.”
McKevitt added: “The chance to lead a business I’ve helped shape since 2017 was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. We are staying true to the values Andy instilled, exceptional results and a modern, flexible workplace, while pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve for our clients over the next 12 months.”
The agency will continue to operate under the Podium brand, while outgoing owner Thevarokiam already has plans for a new business after 14 years of contribution to the local economy, with further details to follow soon.
