We’ve made some changes to fuel the next stage of our growth, starting with a couple of changes in roles at the top of the business.
People Experience Director, Emma Simkiss has been promoted to MD, taking over the reins from our co-founder, Suzanne Linton.
Suzanne, who recently won the national Businesswoman of the Year award (WOTY), is stepping away from the day-to-day management into the CEO role, with a wider remit to extend the company’s reach and profile.
Suzanne said: “My ambition at Freestyle has always been to create a better experience for our clients, through an inspired people-first agency, fostering bravery and curiosity in our team.
We have an amazing team delivering bold, ambitious transformation programmes for global clients, and a reputation for strategic and technical excellence - all underpinned by a strong culture of trust, flexibility and psychological safety in the agency.
My new role will allow me to take this message to a wider audience, create a stronger consultancy-led agency and promote the role of women in the digital world. Emma will be the perfect lead to take the incredible team of top talent further as we work together to scale new heights.”
Emma Simkiss
Suzanne and Emma have been working together over the past year to enable a smooth transition and continuity. Emma’s promotion is part of our growth strategy as we look to move further into Digital Transformation and Consultancy.
Emma joined Freestyle 3 years ago from a marketing and recruitment background to work alongside Suzanne to cement Freestyle’s strengths as a people-first business.
Suzanne said “It’s a natural progression for Emma, from driving people first principles throughout the business to overall management of the company. This signals our commitment to the continued growth of our people and the company. I’m delighted to be able to hand over the reins to a valuable and trusted member of the team.
Emma and the rest of the leadership team are focused on our exciting and ambitious future growth. It will enable me to take more of an overview role to help shape Freestyle’s roadmap as we progress towards a more consultancy-based business.”
With 15 years experience both client and agency side, Emma brings a diverse skill set, and an excellent reputation for relationship-building, team leadership and a passion for coaching led cultures.
Emma said, “I’m honoured and privileged to pick up where Suzanne has left off, bringing a refreshed sense of energy and pace to an agency with a fantastic reputation and over 25 years of heritage.
I’m looking forward to working with our ambitious and dedicated leadership team to support and lead our talented team of specialists, and to focus on growing Freestyle.
We’ll be working at a higher strategic level with our clients, identifying and solving their biggest business challenges. There’ll be a greater emphasis on digital strategy and building technology solutions.
We’re focusing on large client organisations who need to stay ahead of their competition through improving operational efficiencies, helping them make sense of their customers' world and building best in class digital customer experiences.”
