Management buy-out sees leadership team take charge at IF.

IF., the independent brand communications agency, has today announced the successful completion of a management buy-out.

The Manchester agency has spent the past two years investing in people, skills, and services—building itself into one of the region’s most exciting and contemporary multi-channel brand agencies.

Founder and MD Christian James is handing the reins to new Managing Partners Jo Whiteley, Myke Hamilton, and Laura Selby.

Christian said:

“Succession was always part of the plan, so I’m hugely excited to finally share this news. The last two years have been transformational for IF., with Jo, Myke and Laura driving the business to a best-in-class position in the independent agency sector. After 20 years at the helm, it’ll feel strange to step away, but the agency couldn’t be in better hands. I can’t wait to see them take IF. to the next level.”

Speaking about the buy-out, the new leadership team added:

“This is a huge moment for IF. and we’re incredibly proud to be leading the business into its next chapter. Over the past two years we’ve significantly expanded our digital capabilities and proven how powerful the combination of brand creation and multi-channel activation can be. With recent client wins like Starpowa, YHA, and Faith in Nature, and by becoming an official TikTok partner agency, we’ve shown the direction we’re heading. Our ambition now is to keep pushing the agency forward—building on what makes IF. special while setting a new benchmark for what clients can expect from an independent.”

As for Christian? He’s not slowing down just yet:

“I’ve got a few big ideas up my sleeve, but first there are a lot of thank yous to say—to Brian, to the IF. team past and present, to our brilliant clients, and to so many in the industry who’ve been part of this journey.”

Editor’s notes: Founded in 2006 by Christian James and Brian Rees, IF. is a proudly independent creative agency delivering brand creation & multi-channel brand activation for ambitious, purpose-driven brands like Freshpet, Go Outdoors, Minova, Faith in Nature, Starpowa and YHA.