Eric Newnham, Talon Founder, Honoured with WOO Lifetime Achievement Award
Friday 6th June 2025 Eric Newnham, Talon Founder, has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the World Out of Home Organization, recognising his influential five-decade career and lasting impact on the Out of Home (OOH) industry. The honour celebrates Eric’s pivotal role in shaping the global OOH landscape and his contributions to industry growth and innovation.
In 2012, after a brief break, Eric returned to the OOH industry with Talon. Under his leadership, the once-small agency grew into a global OOH powerhouse, known for its innovation and independent spirit. Alongside Talon, Eric co-founded Ballpark Ventures and has supported a number of digital and mobile start-ups, bringing fresh ideas and tech-led thinking into the OOH space. Whether building businesses or embracing new technology, Eric has consistently stayed ahead of the curve, helping to shape the future of the industry.
Beyond his professional achievements, Eric has always believed in giving back – both through charitable fundraising and by embedding a strong sense of purpose into Talon’s culture. Under his leadership, the company has donated over £2 million to good causes. A passionate adventure cyclist, Eric regularly takes on endurance rides for charity, most recently participating in a charity cycle ride across Africa, covering four countries in four days. The event raised £447,876 for The Truants Foundation.
Eric’s career has been shaped by a people-first approach, building successful businesses by focusing on talent, innovation, and doing things the right way. From his early days in the mailroom to leading a global OOH agency, his legacy is defined by his vision, resilience, and instinct for seizing opportunities others might overlook, always pushing the industry forward.
His impact on OOH is best captured by those who’ve worked alongside him:
“Eric is not just a business leader; he is a pioneer whose impact on the sector is unparalleled. His legacy is one of growth, innovation, and an unrelenting drive to succeed.”
Jeremy Male, Strategic Advisor, Former CEO Outfront
“To me, Eric is a colossal force of nature – relentless in his energy, positivity and thirst for life. A true inspiration.”
James Copley, UK & Ireland Chair – Talon“Eric’s legacy isn’t just in the businesses he has built but in the culture of innovation, ambition, and generosity he has fostered. The industry is better because of him, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.”
Sarah Parkes, Managing Partner – Talon International Network & Grand Visual
On behalf of everyone at Talon, we’d like to congratulate Eric – our visionary founder, inspiring mentor, and great friend.
