Former Jaywing brand and marketing director Jan Gardner has joined Pavement as Strategy Partner. Sheffield newcomer Pavement was founded in 2020 by David Wood and John Simpson.
Since launch, the agency has grown steadily, providing services from brand identity to TV commercials for clients such as Swift and Sheffield Hallam University. It has also developed a specialist place branding offer, delivering and executing brand strategy, identity and marketing projects for the likes of Salisbury, Northampton and the much-lauded Shakespeare North in Prescot, Merseyside.
Gardner left Jaywing in 2020 after 20 years to set up her own successful business, offering consultancy and fractional CMO services. Her clients and projects have ranged across brand and marketing strategy from global B2B data science specialist Ekimetrics and credit risk software specialist Paragon, to D2C fintech start-up ilumoni.
David Wood, co-founder and Creative Partner at Pavement said: “I’ve known Jan since my previous agency, Iris, was acquired by Jaywing in 2012. She brings a highly complementary dynamic to Pavement. Over the last 18 months, we’ve worked together on over 10 clients and, increasingly, have been pitching together – and winning.
“When we set Pavement up, John and I were clear we wanted to get back to being much closer to client work than our recent careers had afforded. Jan has a similar outlook, liking nothing better than getting her sleeves rolled up to deliver for clients. Even though I’ve known and worked with Jan for years, such as on delivering Jaywing’s RIBA award-winning HQ, she never stops surprising me with her capabilities.”
Gardner added: “David and I have continued to gravitate towards each other over the past couple of years and essentially, we’ve come to the point where it makes zero sense to continue building separate businesses.
“It’s been brilliant getting to know the wider team at Pavement too. John is an exceptional creative with a highly impressive portfolio to match David’s. Both have grown and sold successful agencies and won numerous coveted accolades, such as D&AD Pencils, Cannes and Roses awards. Even in our increasingly AI-rich world, there is still no substitute for a considered eye for design or the emotional sense of what works. I’m delighted we’ve formalised our relationship and can’t wait to see what the future brings.”
Gardner brings her current clients to Pavement and joins as a shareholder and director.
