Brand communications agency, IF., has completed a management buy-out.
After two decades, co-founder and Managing Director, Christian James, will be handing over control to new Managing Partners, Jo Whiteley, Myke Hamilton, and Laura Selby.
“Succession was always part of the plan, so I’m hugely excited to finally share this news,” he explained.
“The last two years have been transformational for IF., with Jo, Myke and Laura driving the business to a best-in-class position in the independent agency sector. After 20 years at the helm, it’ll feel strange to step away, but the agency couldn’t be in better hands. I can’t wait to see them take IF. to the next level.”
The new Managing Partners became part of the IF. leadership team in 2023, and up until the MBO, Hamilton was Client Service Director, Selby was Director of Digital and Whitely Director, Creativity. The trio had made up the management team alongside James.
READ MORE – All change at the (roof) top for if Agency
They said of the buy-out:
“This is a huge moment for IF. and we’re incredibly proud to be leading the business into its next chapter. Over the past two years we’ve significantly expanded our digital capabilities and proven how powerful the combination of brand creation and multi-channel activation can be.
“With recent client wins like Starpowa, YHA, and Faith in Nature, and by becoming an official TikTok partner agency, we’ve shown the direction we’re heading. Our ambition now is to keep pushing the agency forward—building on what makes IF. special while setting a new benchmark for what clients can expect from an independent.”
James set up IF agency in 2006 alongside Brian Rees in 2006 and he added that he wasn’t leaving the industry just yet…
“I’ve got a few big ideas up my sleeve, but first there are a lot of thank yous to say—to Brian, to the IF. team past and present, to our brilliant clients, and to so many in the industry who’ve been part of this journey.”
