Rick McEvoy and Kate Richardson take control of Elmwood Melbourne

Chris Pash
By Chris Pash | 23 July 2021
 
Kate Richardson and Rick McEvoy

Rick McEvoy and Kate Richardson, managing partners of the Melbourne brand design consultancy Elmwood, have completed a management buyout from the UK-based parent company.

McEvoy says he and Kate are excited about shaping the next chapter of the business together.

“It's been incredibly rewarding to have grown our studio over the past few years and we’re immensely proud of our people and the amazing work we’re creating,” he says.

Richardson: "Our recent successes have bought such an energy and passion to the business and as a team we’re excited about our future.”

The Melbourne studio of Elmwood has a team of 30 and its client list includes Carman’s, Dairy Australia, Coles, Bulla and Nestle.

Elmwood’s founder and majority shareholder Jonathan Sands, after almost 40 years at the helm, says now is an ideal time to hand over.

“Elmwood has been my life’s work. Back in 1989, I was also handed a similar opportunity to lead a management buyout [to acquire Elmwood],” he says.

“Having recently celebrated a big birthday and reflecting on the company’s achievements and strong current position, it felt like my job here is largely done."

Elmwood last year demerged its founding studio in Leeds in the UK and the Melbourne studio from the global business which is headquartered in London to allow each studio to be closer to their core clients.

“Kate and Rick have effectively run the Melbourne studio independently within the group for the last couple of years, so they are perfectly credentialled to assume full managerial control the operations," says Sands.

The Elmwood brand in Australia started nearly two decades ago with three staff, who moved from the UK, and one local client, Coles.

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