News
LDC portfolio company MSQ appoints industry heavyweight as Chairman
7 Jun 2019
Industry heavyweight, Charles Courtier, has been appointed Non-Executive Chairman at MSQ Partners, taking over the reins from Roger Parry.
Charles has more than 30 years’ experience in the advertising industry and was CEO of WPP’s global media agency MEC until 2017, where he was responsible for 6,000 people across 80 markets. During his tenure, initially based in New York and latterly in London, MEC quadrupled in size to become a $1billion business and one of the world’s top five media agencies.
Charles will work closely with MSQ Partners’ Co-Founder and Chief Executive, Peter Reid, leading the group’s Board, and helping shape the overall strategic direction and core elements of the Group’s offer.
Peter Reid’s fellow Co-Founder, Roger Parry, has stepped down after nine and a half years as Non-Executive Chairman, following the recent investment by leading mid-market private equity firm LDC, alongside senior managers, into MSQ.
Paddy Sellers, who spent 20 years at LDC, latterly as Deputy CEO, also joins as a Non-Executive Director. As well as a wealth of experience of successful private equity partnerships, Paddy also brings specific experience in helping develop marcomms businesses. He currently sits on the Board of Plimsoll Productions and formerly, was a Non-Executive Director at Blue Rubicon.
Roger has made a sterling contribution to the business and I would like to thank him, both personally and on behalf of all of the Group, for his support and counsel over the years."
“I am delighted that Charles has agreed to join the Group. We share a similar vision for both MSQ and the future of the marcomms industry. The depth of Charles’ industry knowledge will be hugely valuable as we position MSQ to continue to benefit from changes in the marketplace and we scale-up and roll out our multi-disciplinary model internationally. I look forward to working with him as we embark on this next exciting stage in MSQ’s development.”
Charles Courtier commented: “With the industry in such an exciting state of flux, the flexibility and diversity of MSQ gives it a real opportunity to emerge as one of the biggest winners from this period of change. I’m excited to help shape the future business with Peter and his talented team.”
Roger Parry added: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at MSQ and am delighted to leave the Group in such capable hands. I will always have great affection for the business and wish the team every success in the years to come.”
In May 2019 MSQ Partners announced a £37.5m deal with LDC and MSQ’s senior managers investing in the business. The investment will enable the group to accelerate the roll-out of its successful multi-disciplinary model beyond London and support the continued growth of its individual agencies.
Image: Charles Courtier, Peter Reid, MSQ Partners