Creative brand communications agency Nrandnation has new owners. Its founder and managing director Mary Killingworth has sold her majority stake in the business to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
 

The newly-formed EOT will have a 75% controlling stake in the business with the remainder retained by Killingworth alongside minority stakeholders deputy managing director Eva Ringwood, and creative director Joe Murgatroyd.
 
Under the new ownership model, the three minority stakeholders “will continue to guide the agency’s strategic vision in collaboration with newly appointed EOT employee representatives and an independent trustee”.

The decision marks “a significant milestone in the company’s history… reflecting a commitment to employee empowerment, long-term stability, and collaborative growth”.
 
Employees who have been with the agency for over 12 months are now eligible for profit-sharing, including part-tax-free bonuses based on seniority, salary, and tenure with the agency.
 
Killingworth said: “Over the last 20 years Brandnation has proudly built a reputation for delivering a flawless client experience and has an impressive track record of long-term client retention — a result of fostering collaborative relationships and delivering on our word.
 
“While this remains a constant, Brandnation has evolved to become a creative, dynamic, and future-focused agency that’s underpinned by our Creativity. Multiplied. philosophy – one that harnesses creativity and service integration to deliver measurable brand impact for our clients.
 
“The EOT is a natural next step in the journey, one that reflects our values as a business, empowers our talented team, and lays the foundations for an even brighter future at a time when the agency is focused on ambitious growth plans.
 
“We’re actively recruiting to bolster our boardroom with our sights set on senior hires across social, strategy and content to help us realise our ambitions and share in the team’s success. Watch this space.”
 
The move follows the agency recently recruiting industry veteran Andrew Bloch as a non-executive director “to support the executive leadership team in delivering future growth across PR, influencer marketing, digital and social media”.
 
Brandnation has 30 staff and a client roster that includes Columbia Sportswear, UIM E1 World Championship, Bellissima Italia, and OnTheMarket.