FutureBrand global CEO Nick Sykes and executive team exit

Nick Sykes, global chief executive of FutureBrand, McCann Worldgroup’s strategy and design company, has left the business after 15 years. 

FutureBrand’s global executive team, comprising Gianni Tozzi, global chief creative officer, Jon Tipple, global chief strategy officer, Katy Nunn, people and culture director, Lauren Maynard, global chief growth officer, and Louise Nelson, executive assistant, have also left the business. Apart from Tozzi, who worked in Milan, all were based in London.

FutureBrand has been removed from McCann Worldgroup and staff will now report to McCann’s local offices. The London team will report to McCann UK.

A spokesperson for McCann told Campaign: “We’ve brought FutureBrand into closer alignment with McCann, recognising that brand experience and design are foundational to how we build brands today through 'truth well told'. 

“For the past three years, FutureBrand and McCann have worked closely together on iconic global brands, and this move cements this essential partnership.

“Nick and his leadership team have left FutureBrand in a position of strength as a globally respected authority on brand design. We’re grateful for the impact they've had on our company and our clients and wish them all the very best for what’s next.”

FutureBrand in the UK is based at Bishopsgate near Liverpool Street, sharing the same building as fellow Interpublic Group shops McCann London, McCann Worldgroup and Weber Shandwick. In July, MullenLowe Global moved to the same offices, while MullenLowe UK moved to Old Bailey, where FCB London and IPG Mediabrands are also based.

The changes follow Omnicom's plan to acquire Interpublic to create the world’s biggest agency group. The deal is expected to go through imminently.

According to FutureBrand's website, 60 people were employed at the London office, with clients including World Athletics Ultimate Championship and SCI Ventures.

Sykes joined FutureBrand in 2010 as managing director and was made global CEO in 2019. Prior to FutureBrand, Sykes was managing director of McCann Worldgroup. 

Tozzi had worked at FutureBrand for 17 years, joining as executive creative director in 2008 and becoming global CCO in 2024. 

Tipple spent 13 years at the design agency and was also head of planning at McCann London for three years. 

Nunn joined the agency in 2019 as senior people manager for Europe and became people and culture director in 2021. 

Maynard had been at FutureBrand for almost two years and was previously executive vice-president, global managing director for McCann Worldgroup’s advisory services.

Nelson has spent a decade at FutureBrand and also spent time at TBWA\London. 

The agency departures and IPG declined to comment. 

In October, FutureBrand's managing director Polly Hopkins was hired by brand design consultancy Elmwood as UK managing director and global head of corporate brand.