Joan London appoints new MD to build 'modern legends'

Independent agency Joan London has recruited a new managing director to succeed launch MD Tom Ghiden, who recently quit the business to join Adam & Eve DDB.

Matthew Robinson has over 20 years agency experience, with senior leadership positions across both global networks and independents, including Saatchi & Saatchi, Anomaly, AMV BBDO and Joint, where he spent eight years as Partner & CEO.

Most recently CEO at Modern Citizens, Robinson has worked on a raft of major brands, including Amazon, P&G, Lloyds Banking Group, Uswitch, Kettle Foods and Sony.

Like his predecessor, Robinson (pictured) will work in close partnership with executive creative director Kirsty Hathaway (pictured, right), with the aim of building on the agency’s momentum.

Since launch in June 2023, Joan has grown significantly in both people and revenue, establishing partnerships with brands including eBay and Ann Summers.

Robinson has been briefed to help drive the agency into its next stage of growth, reinforcing its ambition to be the leading independent “powered by joyful rebellion and committed to building modern legends”.

He starts immediately and reports to co-founder and global CEO Lisa Clunie, who said: “Matthew’s appointment sets Joan London up for an incredibly exciting next chapter. He brings the kind of vision and experience that will help fuel the agency’s momentum and amplify the spirit of Joan in London. We couldn’t be more excited about this partnership.”

Robinson added: “Joan London has already achieved so much in just two years. There’s an undeniable energy and ambition in the team that really excites me. I’m thrilled to be partnering with Kirsty to build on this momentum, push the agency into its next chapter, and continue creating work that is bold, joyful and impossible to ignore.”

Hathaway, who continues to report into co-founder and global CCO Jaime Robinson, commented: “The addition of Matthew is an amazing moment for us, and I can’t wait to partner with him to continue driving the agency forward. Together, we’re committed to making Joan London the most exciting independent in the UK – a place where creativity thrives and where modern legends are built.”