New face at the helm of Newcastle company

Oct 29 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

FAST-GROWING digital agency Th_nk has appointed a new managing director as it prepares for the next stage of its expansion.

The Newcastle company has appointed Lynne Davidson to build up strong growth which has seen its turnover rise by 1,271% in the last five years.

The firm, which last year saw its turnover reach £3.7m, has recruited Ms Davidson to help it to continue its growth and attract more global brands as clients.

Th_nk, which was started by Newcastle University graduate Tarek Nseir in 2003, currently works with Bupa, bmi, Lloyds TSB, LG Electronics, Anthropologie, TNS and Hays Recruitment.

Ms Davidson, who served as head of retail and media consulting at national IT group Conchango for over eight years, said: “I'm really looking forward to embracing exciting new challenges at TH_NK and leading the team to achieve even more success, both nationally and internationally.

“The company has a truly unique way of working and I can't wait to get started."

Chief executive Mr Nseir said: "Lynne's appointment marks a significant stage in our expansion.

“Her experience speaks volumes and is exactly what the company needs as we continue to grow our national client portfolio both in the North East and our London operation."

Last month, TH_NK also appointed Nick Betts as project director, Matt Theakston as a user-experience designer and Stephen Thompson as a test analyst.

Meanwhile, Th_nk was recently named on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 list for the third year running as it was recognised for turnover of growth of 1,271% in the last five years.

The company was ranked in 25th place, three positions behind fellow North East business Merit Merrell Technology (MMT) which has enjoyed 1,462% growth since 2004.

MMT is an engineering and construction company that specialises in converting existing buildings into clean rooms, laboratories and associated office space, complete with all services.

From its base in Wallsend it services clients all over the world, including in Russia and Antartica.

Th_nk has been ranked alongside the UK’s most successful digital agencies in this year’s Top 100 league table by industry title, New Media Age.

The Newcastle agency made 77th in the league table, in which it has appeared for the last four years, and 32nd in the Top Design and Build Agencies category and also scooped the title of Top Interactive Agency in the North East, again for the fourth year running.

The company has a truly unique way of working and I can't wait to get started.”