Hillman prepares to quit Pentagram

Hillman, who joined Pentagram in 1978, would be the third partner to leave in the past two years, though the reasons for his departure are unclear.

However, sources suggest unease at the consultancy over how its future direction and financial pressures are affecting creative output. Last year, Pentagram’s London management team began enforcing a tougher regime in an effort to revive the group’s fortunes. The London office has been under pressure since it filed a £26 000 pre-tax loss in 2005.

Hillman’s recent work for the group includes a redesign of The Stage magazine in April 2006 and graphics for last year’s Modernism exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum. He declined to comment on the reports of his exit.

There have been a number of management changes at Pentagram recently. In August 2006, Fernando Gutiérrez left the group to set up his own design studio. At the time, Gutiérrez described the move as ‘amicable’, but acknowledged an increase in management pressure.

John McConnell resigned his directorship in March 2005. Architect William Russell, Domenic Lippa and Harry Pearce have subsequently become new partners.