THE chief executive of BIG Partnership has exited his post just six months after joining the public relations agency.
Glasgow-based BIG hailed the appointment of Steve McLaughlin when he was unveiled as its first-ever chief executive in May. It is understood the former Telegraph Media Group chief commercial officer left the business around one month ago.
Prior to joining BIG, which employs around 120 staff across Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Manchester, Mr McLaughlin worked for Dubai-based Gulf Sports Media. He had previously held senior roles at the Daily Mail, Trinity Mirror, ICS Learn and Scottish Radio Holdings.
Alex Barr, founding director of BIG, confirmed Mr McLaughlin’s departure. He said the parting of ways had come with the agency performing strongly on both sides of the Border.
There are no immediate plans to replace Mr McLaughlin, it is understood.
At the time of his appointment, BIG said Mr McLaughlin had been selected for the role after receiving no fewer than 260 applications.
Founding director Neil Gibson said Mr McLaughlin had been the “outstanding candidate and the unanimous choice of the board”.
Mr Gibson said then: “With turnover this year of around £10 million, our highest-ever, we’re ready to take the next step forward in BIG’s evolution and Steve’s appointment will play a major role in further accelerating our expansion. He has a superb, sustained pedigree of driving business growth, with a specific focus on digital performance, as his track record in his last two leadership roles with Gulf Sports Media and ICS Learn amply demonstrates”.
Mr Gibson added: “Working with our senior team, he will play a pivotal role in accelerating the strong growth we’ve seen in recent years.”
Mr Barr and Mr Gibson sold BIG to six board members in a management buyout worth £11 million in 2016. They have remained at BIG since while gradually reducing their involvement.
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