Brandnation becomes employee-owned in pivotal moment

UK – Marketing and communications agency Brandnation has transitioned to employee ownership after founder and managing director Mary Killingworth sold a majority stake to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). The EOT now holds a 75% majority share, with Killingworth and minority stakeholders Eva Ringwood, deputy managing director, and Joe Murgatroyd, creative director, retaining the remaining 25%. 

Killingworth emphasised the significance of this move in the agency’s two-decade history, stating: ‘The EOT is a natural next step in the Brandnation journey, one that reflects our values, empowers our talented team, and lays the foundations for an even brighter future.’

Employees with over a year of service are now eligible for profit-sharing, including tax-free bonuses, fostering long-term commitment and shared success. Killingworth, Ringwood and Murgatroyd will continue to oversee Brandnation’s strategy alongside EOT-appointed representatives and an independent trustee. 

This initiative aligns with findings in our Work States Futures macrotrend report, in which we analysed the next step in the evolution of board level re-invention and decentralised ownership.