Wildfire, a UK technology specialist agency, is undergoing a significant change in its ownership structure. The company has recently transitioned to being 100% employee-owned, with all 30 employees having a stake in the firm. This development comes four years after CEO Debby Penton led a management buyout of the business.
Penton played a key role in the agency’s merger with tech firm EML in 2011 and has continued to lead Wildfire through various transitions since then. With this latest move to become employee-owned, she sees an opportunity for increased employee engagement and business growth. In her statement to PRovoke Media, Penton expressed her excitement about the employee ownership model, highlighting the benefits it brings to the team.
Having been with the company for more than 21 years, Penton played a crucial role in shaping Wildfire’s culture and vision. She has also been instrumental in leading the agency through its mergers and acquisitions, including its MBO in 2000 where she held 66% of the agency’s shares. With this shift in ownership structure, Penton sees an opportunity for employees to have more autonomy, transparency, and opportunities for involvement in shaping the agency’s future direction.
Looking ahead, Penton plans to gradually step back from her role without disrupting the vision or mission of the company. She emphasizes her commitment to being fully involved in this new chapter of Wildfire’s story for at least the next five years. This employee-owned model sets the stage for continued growth and success for the agency, with Penton dedicated to being a part of that journey.
Wildfire underwent a restructure of its senior management team last year which resulted in Penton assuming her current role as CEO while Louise Palmer became joint managing director alongside Chris King who was appointed as agency development director of £3 million business.
Penton retains her position as CEO despite these changes and is committed to providing continuity in leadership during this transition period.
In order to secure their future at Wildfire and preserve its culture, former CEO Debby Penton sold her shareholding back to
