Bristol branding agency Taxi Studio has made a series of appointments, including hiring the Post Office group’s chief retail officer as chairman, to fuel its expansion in the UK and overseas markets such as North America.
The move follows a succession of major new business wins over the past year, including roster appointments with Nestlé Health Science, The Coca-Cola Company, snack group Mondeléz, whose brands include Ritz and Pringle, and Kleenex-to-Huggies multinational Kimberly Clark.
The agency has also produced work for Carlsberg, Costa Coffee and the Never Too Young bowel cancer campaign.
Post Office group chief retail officer Martin Roberts joined Taxi Studio’s board as non-executive chairman earlier this year – a move the agency, which was founded in 2002, said demonstrated the calibre of talent it was now attracting.
Martin is an accomplished management executive and change leader with more than 36 years’ experience at some of the UK’s leading brands such as Sainsbury’s, Wickes, Vodafone and B&M.
As chairman of Taxi Studio, which also has an office in London, he will support its founders while helping the agency to continue to evolve.
The agency’s founders themselves have also changed their roles to expedite the next phase of its development and growth.
Ryan Wills, pictured, will become CEO and Spencer Buck will continue to lead its creative output as chief creative officer, while Alex Bane will head its client and new business generation teams as chief business officer.
Other recent appointments to the Taxi Studio creative and design teams include:
- Melissa Kelly, who joins as client lead from Bath agency AUK, bringing strong experience in healthcare, Fast-moving consumer goods, internal comms, behavioural change and advertising.
- Will Duffy, design lead, who previously worked at Ziggurat Brands in London,
- Tony Roberts, designer (formerly at Design Bridge in London)
- Jamie Quantrill, designer (formerly with London agency JKR)
- Matilda Rose Scott, designer (formerly Halo in Bristol)
- Jacob Little, digital project lead joins to support its digital project streams
- Clem Halpin, design lead (formerly Turner Duckworth in London)
- Amy Yeatman, finance lead, who was previously head of finance at Bristol’s We Are Curious science centre,
- Lavinia Raducu, project lead, who has joined from Prysm Group in Bristol,
- Mia Fryer, project lead, who previously worked with Bristol social media marketing agency Handmade Media.
Martin said: “I am excited to be taking on this pivotal role at a key stage of growth for Taxi Studio, where the founders have created an innovative and creative agency that already has a global presence and supports some of the biggest brands around the world.
“I look forward to working with the executive team to drive forward the company strategy and ensure that it continues to deliver significant value for all stakeholders.”
Ryan added: “Having already tapped into markets across North America, Asia and Europe, these major appointments come at an exciting period of growth for the business.
“We’re proud to have attracted talent from some of the most notable agencies and organisations globally.
“The strength of our newly reinforced team will enable us to expand our client base internationally and continue to deliver world-class, enduring brand expressions for global brands.”
Taxi Studio’s senior leadership team believe they have struck the right balance between change and continuity to ensure that the whole team continues to create unforgettable work.
Alex said: “I will be leading the client and new business teams to look after the interests of our existing clients and their brands, as well as seeking to develop new client relationships across the world.
“We’re also committed to supporting projects for local communities and we’re proud to be working with some of the UK’s favourite household names such as Vimto – all gearing towards our number one priority of pushing Taxi Studio’s brand of unforgettable work into new and exciting sectors.”
