Managing Partners BuyOut Elmwood Melbourne

Managing Partners Rick McEvoy and Kate Richardson of the Melbourne studio of brand design consultancy Elmwood, have completed a management buyout from its UK-based parent company.

After almost 40 years at the helm, Elmwood’s founder and majority shareholder Jonathan Sands OBE, said: “Elmwood has been my life’s work. Back in 1989, I was also handed a similar opportunity to lead a management buyout [to acquire Elmwood],

“Having recently celebrated a big birthday and reflecting on the company’s achievements and strong current position, it felt like my job here is largely done.

“Last year Elmwood demerged its founding studio in Leeds in the UK and the Melbourne studio from the global business which is headquartered in London to allow each studio to be closer to their core clients and more focussed on their specific strengths.

“This decentralisation has proved hugely successful with all individual studios enjoying their most successful periods.

“Kate and Rick have effectively run the Melbourne studio independently within the group for the last couple of years, so they are perfectly credentialled to assume full managerial control of the operations.

“They have worked hard for this opportunity, and I am truly delighted to be handing Elmwood’s Australian business over to them in the knowledge that they will take the business to another level and continue our legacy of success.”

“It all started with just three colleagues who moved from the UK and one local client — Coles. Today, Elmwood is one of the most respected and successful brand agencies in Australia.

“Under Rick and Kate’s stewardship, Elmwood has enjoyed its most successful period.

“I must also add, I won’t be disappearing into the sunset quite yet, but I will be taking more of a backseat role as a non-executive consultant.

“I would like to say a heartfelt thanks to the wider Elmwood team who have all been fabulous colleagues to work with and I am truly proud of their talents and attitudes.

Managing partner, Rick McEvoy, said: “It’s been incredibly rewarding to have grown our studio over the past few years and we’re immensely proud of our people and the amazing work we’re creating.”

Managing partner, Kate Richardson, said: “As we move forward, we will continue our focus on our team and clients and the increasingly diverse mix of work, always keeping effectiveness at our core.

“Our recent successes have bought such an energy and passion to the business and as a team, we’re excited about our future.”

The Melbourne studio of Elmwood has a team of 30 and its client list includes Carman’s, Dairy Australia, Coles, Bulla and Nestle.

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Elmwood Jonathan Sands Kate Richardson RicK McEvoy