Moves & changes – design industry news

People

International architecture and interior design practice Conran and Partners has been bought out by five of its principals. This includes Sebastian Conran, son or original original owner and founder Terence Conran.

Another of the new partners Tim Bowder-Ridger – who joined the practice back in 1997 – says, “The new ownership of the practice is an incredibly exciting moment for us to build on a unique legacy and take the business forward with clear purpose.” Going forward, the new owners have committed to addressing both the needs of the user and the environment.

Paul Collins has joined global design consultancy Elmwood as executive director of strategy and innovation. Working form the company’s New York studio, his aim in the role will be to raise the agency’s reputation for providing effective brand solutions.

Creative agency Stereo has recruited Alice Smith and Mae Nguyen to its strategy team. Smith is a former D&AD New Blood winner and has worked for agencies such as AKQA, while Nguyen is joining from WPP company SJR.

Vault49 has promoted two staff from within in ranks. Leigh Chandler – who has been with the studio for nine years – has been promoted to executive creative director, while Spencer Ryan, Vault49’s director of global operations, has been made partner.

Interbrand has announced four internal promotions as it sets up for a phase of growth. CEO of Interbrand NA Daniel Binns has been named global chief growth officer; CEO of Interbrand Central & Eastern Europe Simon Thun is now also global chief client officer; CEO of Iberia & Middle East Nancy Villanueva has been named global director of expansion markers; and finally, CEO of Interbrand London Christon Purser has been named global director of new solutions.

Creative UK has appointed Lara Carmon as director of policy and engagement, starting from March 2023. Carmon will be working with policymakers, politicians and creatives to create system change and improve representation for the creative industries.

Alan Stevenson, a founding member of the Sign Design Society and director of wayfinding consultancy Allpointswest, has joined DNCO as its wayfinding strategist. Allpointswest will be closing in light of this new appointment.

Luke Barnett has re-joined the Social Group as head of video and photography at For the curious, the groups creative agency. The agency currently has clients in the beauty, transport, food and drinks sectors.

Current Dean of academic programmes at Central Saint Martins Rachel Dickson is to become the deputy director academic at The Glasgow School of Art. Dickson brings experience in designing and leading courses, interdisciplinary working, improving student experiences, as well as a commitment to social justice, the climate emergency and equality and diversity.

Drinks design consultancy Denomination has made three leadership appointments across their US, UK and Australian offices. Simon Gawn is now managing director of the Australia office; Butler Looney is executive creative director for the US and the UK’s creative director is Jonny Kearns. Denomination hopes that the new appointments will increase the agency’s capacity for design and sustainability innovation.

Consultancies

Ad agency Wieden+Kennedy London has launched a standalone branding and design studio called NOT Wieden+Kennedy. The studio will work separately from the agency with clients who might have any advertising needs. Creative director Adam Rix will head up the 18-strong team alongside Anika Ramani, who joins the team from Interbrand.

Lifestyle and hospitality company Ennismore has announced the formation of AIME Studios. Formerly known as Ennismore Design Studio, the specialist team of 30 now includes graphic as well as interior designers.

Territory Studio has opened a new London HQ in Farringdon, which is known as one of the city’s leading design districts. The two-floor, 1,644m² studio has been built to accommodate up to 200 permanent staff. The studio also recently opened new offices in Barcelona and Munich, as well as announcing the global collective, Territory Group.

Email abbey.bamford@xeim.com if there have been any moves and changes at your consultancy.