Creston's Don Elgie to Retire

UK-based insight and communications group Creston Plc has announced the retirement of CEO and founder Don Elgie, with effect from 31st March 2014. Elgie will 'pursue a career of non-executive roles', and will be succeeded by current COO and CFO Barrie Brien, who has been with the Group since 2004.

Creston says the search for a new CFO is currently underway and an announcement will be made in due course.

Elgie says he is immensely proud of what the group has achieved since its founding in 2001. Highlights for the Insight Division include the acquisition of ICM for £37.2m in April 2006. The division grew rapidly before 2008 and has recently reported a return to growth after a difficult few years in the downturn, which saw its revenue decline steadily from £17.9m in 2008 to £12.1m in 2013 results.

The Group's recent co-location strategy has created 'centralised thriving offices from London to New York', says Elgie, and left it well-placed for the future: 'We have built a group of truly excellent complementary businesses working together for our clients and in recent years the Group has transformed itself into a leading player in the digital marketing industry... I know I will be leaving the Group in the best of hands with Barrie and the Executive team. I would like to thank all the incredible people and clients with whom I have worked and who have helped me build Creston into what it is today and what it will achieve in the future.'

Brien says he will 'look to strengthen the Group offer behind a central client proposition that has brand strategy and insight consultancy at the core of its creative and digital marketing offer.' He adds: 'It has been a pleasure working with Don over the last nine years, which has been a period of great development and change. Don will be missed by all of us at Creston and we appreciate everything that he has achieved since founding the business.'

Chairman David Grigson says Brien has been 'an integral part of Creston's growth and success over the years and has a deep knowledge of the Group's businesses and the industry', as well as 'a clear vision and strategy for the next phase of the Group's growth and development'.

Less than a month ago, Creston announced that Keith Bates would shortly step down from the role of Head of Creston Insight, seeking 'new challenges' outside the Group.

Web site: www.creston.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

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