MOVING ON: Ten years after its founding, the London-based communications agency Aisle 8 is changing shape, with cofounders Virginia Norris and Lauren Stevenson going their separate ways.
Norris is leaving the London-based agency to pursue new projects while Stevenson will become chief executive officer as of April 1, working with a new leadership team of Jade D’aubney, Becky Twyman and Samantha Heath.
Aisle 8 has grown considerably over the past decade, covering fashion, footwear, beauty and lifestyle brands. Clients include Jo Loves, Vuori, Merit, Mango, Away, Allbirds, Our Place, Superga and Chelsea Peers.
It has helped U.S. brands, in particular, break into the U.K. market. Aisle 8 promoted Vuori’s retail opening on Regent Street late last year, and also helped build the profile of Merit ahead of its launch at Sephora in the U.K. It has also been publicizing Our Place, the kitchenware brand, locally.
The company also works closely with industry talent including Dr. Alexis Granite, a dermatologist and founder of the skin care and wellness brand Joonbyrd, and Dr. Elizabeth Hawkes, an eyelid surgery specialist based in London.
Aisle 8 helped to raise Merit’s profile ahead of its launch at Sephora in the U.K.
In a joint statement, Norris and Stevenson said the move allows them to concentrate on their core strengths and respective fields of expertise. The two said Wednesday they “remain each other’s biggest supporters and look forward to celebrating each other’s future successes.”
Going forward, Aisle 8 will focus on bringing international brands to the market, while supporting the repositioning and growth of emerging and established brands and U.K. retailers.
The next 12 months will also see the launch of the talent division, while the lifestyle division will introduce new categories. In addition, the company is looking to work with international partners to establish the Aisle 8 global network.
