Talon announces changes to senior leadership team to support global growth & innovation
London 29th September 2023: Today, the global, independent Out of Home (OOH) media agency Talon announces the appointment of Mike Saunter to the role of Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Henry Lucas in the newly created role of Group Chief Commercial Officer and Stewart Easterbrook extending his remit to become Talon’s Executive Chairman, as the business continues its focus on international growth and expansion.
Alongside these new hires, Talon have restructured the global board with Barry Cupples stepping down as Group CEO and Eric Newnham, founder of Talon, stepping in with immediate effect.
Eric is a renowned entrepreneur with several decades experience leading successful Out of Home businesses, and has been at the forefront of Out of Home’s transformation from a legacy medium to the effective, measurable and data-driven channel it is today. Eric founded Talon in 2013 alongside James Copley and Frank Bryant and during his tenure as CEO – 2013 to 2019 developed Talon into the leading global OOH independent agency.
Mike, an accomplished international leader, joins the Talon board as Group CFO. He has extensive experience in the advertising industry with time as International CFO at Clear Channel Inc. and as Global CFO with advertising agencies Crispin, Porter + Bogusky in the US, and Bartle Bogle Hegarty in the UK. Most recently Mike has spent time in an advisory capacity to early stage technology businesses in electric vehicle charging and blockchain infrastructure.
Henry will be part of Talon’s senior leadership team, based in the UK with responsibility for developing and diversifying Talon’s global commercial strategy. He joins Talon with a wealth of commercial expertise having spent the last nine years at Dentsu, most recently as Commercial Operations Director at Amplifi Global. Prior to Dentsu, he held Group Account Director roles at WPP and IPG.
Both appointments follow a successful period of growth for Talon and new senior team hires, including ex-Starcom Mediavest chief Stewart Easterbrook as chairman, Alice Date as Group Sustainability Manager, Todd Palatnek as SVP, Client Development in North America, and the promotion of Luke Willbourn to Managing Director UK. This year, the business completed the acquisition of Evolve, the fast-growing, independent specialist OOH business, as well as the acquisition of Novus Media Canada Corp. Talon, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, also opened new offices in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, and secured new investment from Equistone Partners Europe, allowing the business to continue its global expansion and technical innovation.
Eric Newnham, Group CEO Talon, said:
“I look forward to re-taking a hands on role leading Talon towards its global growth objectives and wish Barry well with his future endeavours. Looking ahead, Stewart’s wealth of experience in leading digital-first businesses including MiQ, will be instrumental in delivering our future growth. I’m excited to work more closely with him to deliver Talon’s commercial objectives.
Additionally, Mike and Henry are extremely experienced business leaders in driving commercial growth and operational efficiency. They will be pivotal in helping us leverage our powerful and intelligent tech and media offering to further drive the business forward.”
Mike Saunter, Group Chief Financial Officer at Talon, said:
“Talon has an impressive position in the Out of Home industry and has achieved a great deal in its first ten years. Its investment in technology, strategic acquisitions and partnerships has developed a unique proposition in the market and I am excited to be working with the senior team and board to further amplify Talon’s impact and to play a key role in its ongoing development and success.”
Henry Lucas, Group Chief Commercial Officer at Talon, said:
“Talon’s investment in technology has cemented its position as a leading OOH agency both domestically and globally. It has enjoyed several strategic acquisitions in recent years and is now at a pivotal period of its global expansion. A mission of mine is to create a sustainable commercial environment to ensure we future proof the business and deliver best in class results. Moreover, I want to ensure we continue to create meaningful value for our partners, and deliver tangible business outcomes for our clients. I’m very much looking forward to working with the Talon team in enhancing its commercial operations, and growing the business together.”
