XMPR founder strikes out alone

One of the last founding directors of XMPR has left the consultancy to set up on his own. The departure of James Hagger, XMPR’s creative director, leaves Rob Davie as the sole hands-on director at the beleaguered firm.

Hagger has set up a joint venture with project management company PPM. Phil Baker and Jim Butler, managing directors at the six-month-old company, each have a 25 per cent shareholding in Studio Hagger, while Hagger holds the other 50 per cent.

Hagger’s new group is based at PPM’s headquarters in High Wycombe for a three-month period, with a view to moving to new premises in west London.

Business plans include recruiting a graphic designer and an interior designer in the next three months. “I’m already working on four new retail brands for clients I can’t name,” says Hagger.

Hagger is continuing to work with XMPR on a contractual basis. It is not clear whether he will be replaced. Davie is thought to be considering working with senior heavyweights on freelance contracts rather than making permanent appointments. But an XMPR spokeswoman says interviews have been taking place. Davie was unavailable for comment as Design Week went to press.