About Waypoint

Otto Stevens

Partner

I have always believed in, and am passionate about, the creative industry and related technologies. It forms a huge part of the global economy, it innovates, grows and creates net new employment every year.

I work with CEOs, management teams and shareholders (sometimes all three) to help grow business and realise value and potential in business leaders.

Waypoint Partners is agnostic as to what the solution is to the problem. Only those advisers who listen, imagine, create ideas and flawlessly execute will be successful. Waypoint Partners is growing quite nicely…

I am a qualified accountant training with Grant Thornton Corporate Finance and have been an investor, consultant, adviser and CFO in the creative space for the last 15 years. I was formerly CFO of iris Worldwide and when I was there it was the fastest growing large independent agency in the world.

Born into a massive Irish family has its challenges, although I like Guinness and spuds, it makes for an interesting life. I stopped at 3 children and that’s enough.

Miles Welch

Partner

As Partner at Waypoint Partners, my passion is to help you achieve your growth and enhance the value of your business.

Working with the senior stakeholders in your business, I’ll help guide and challenge you to success, helping you achieve your long term ambitions and goals.

I spent the first part of my career running and scaling top independent agencies such as Digitas, followed then by 4 years as a Partner at Results International, a global M&A boutique. This mix of experience gives me a unique perspective on growing and realising value in the creative and technology sector.

In late 2016 I was voted Outstanding Non-Exec Director at the Best Business Awards – for a second consecutive year.

Married with 3 children, any spare time I do get is usually spent doing some kind of training or challenge. My recent passion is Krav Maga, which I now teach to others.

Andy Maher

Partner

As Partner at Waypoint Partners, my passion is to help your business grow. Working with the senior stakeholders in your business, I’ll help guide and challenge you to success, helping you achieve your long term ambitions and goals.

I’ve held leadership roles in leading agencies across the UK, Europe, the US and Asia, for both Omnicom and leading independents – so I understand the issues that agencies face, and how to overcome them.

I regularly speak on the subject of leadership and have published two books – one on leadership the other on leading a healthy life.

Since marrying into a large, rugby mad, Irish family, my weekends are spent eating potatoes, drinking Guinness, walking through green fields with my young son and cheering on Munster. As a proud Aussie I love the great outdoors and all sports… but please don’t mention the rugby or the cricket.

Lisa Mandell

Partner

I have a passion for helping start-up and fast growth businesses build sustainable & profitable revenue streams at pace.

As a board advisor with a focus on growth, sales, marketing and commercial behaviour, I will help you unlock new revenue opportunities to deliver against your short and long term commercial targets.

I have previously held positions at Techlightenment a social media marketing and technology business where I shaped their marketing and sales functions which led to a successful exit to Experian plc in 2014. More recently I was founding member of VC-backed content production company Quill Content, where I built from scratch their sales, marketing and operations functions helping them become the pre-eminent global leader of ecommerce content production.

My spare time is usually spent with my husband Nick and beautiful daughter Bella and if there is any time left I spend it watching my beloved Arsenal or training for my next triathlon.

Andy Brown

Partner

Sustained agency growth is primarily based on how and when to best apply core business principles. This can be simple to understand but difficult to implement.

I’ve generated long-term value growth by helping independent agency boards implement these principles since the mid-1990s, helping many to sale and, for the last two decades, I’ve focused on digital. Most recently, I was appointed MD of agenda21 when they were acquired by the Be Heard Group, and led the business to double revenue and headcount within two years. I bring clarity to decision making, helping agency principals identify what will really move the dial and what is just a beguiling distraction.

I’m married with two grown up children who love me enough to have moved back home. I play cricket and am a life-long season ticket holder at Brighton & Hove Albion. My passion for growth extends to my love of gardening. And, as a very keen rambler, I can address my other two interests – walking & beer.

Matt Lacey

Director

As Director at Waypoint Partners, I enjoy working closely with key stakeholders to develop a deep understanding of your business and its key drivers.

Combining my experience of advising leadership teams and a background in M&A, I’ll work with you to help develop key goals and position the business on a clear path to success and maximising shareholder returns.

I’ve worked with senior stakeholders across a range of creative, marketing and technology businesses in the UK, Europe and US and worked on more than 20 M&A transactions in the sector. This has given me an in-depth understanding of how to help shareholders tackle key business issues, achieve sustainable growth and develop an eventual exit strategy.

As a big foodie, my weekends are generally spent outdoors cycling (trying to avoid the London chaos) to justify being able to fill up on interesting cuisines.  I’m a big fan of rugby and always enjoy the opportunity to give other members of the team some stick (that is when it goes well for England…).

Alex Duffy

Associate Director

As an Associate Director at Waypoint Partners…

Having worked internationally in the TMT market within Corporate Banking (Restructuring), Corporate Finance (Mergers and Acquisitions) and Corporate Advisory (Business Strategy and Planning), I understand the different hurdles a company faces in times of growth as well as surpassing the barriers which hold them back.

With a wide array of contacts from the Banking Sector to PE Houses and Venture Capital firms, I have a unique insight into the economic workings of this growing market and how to tailor solutions to specific problems.

I work with senior stakeholders and management to identify the objectives and aspirations of the organisation so that a cohesive strategy with feasible benchmarks can be achieved.

When I’m not at work I enjoy spending time with my family and am an avid amateur chef- often trying to create culinary masterpieces with varying levels of success…

Angela Lurssen

Business Development Director

I’ve worked in a number of roles across the creative sector – from agency and client side to M&A consultancy. What connects them all is a drive for growing businesses.

I am now self-employed after 14 years of working at Results International, a specialist in growing and developing businesses, and in corporate M&A. My focus, for all my clients, is on growth – via targeted global marketing, new business strategies and delivery. My approach to new business is effective and delivers real results.

Outside work, I keep busy by volunteering at a local animal sanctuary, working as a children’s swimming coach and as an occasional sugar crafter. I enjoy extreme sports and have a penchant for Ironman events and big open water swims. Currently in training for the Comrades Ultra 2018. I spend my time between London and Cape Town.

Martin Palethorpe

Board Advisor

Board Adviser to Waypoint Partners, I also run my own executive performance consultancy, the Pragma Group. I’m an experienced Executive Coach and mentor.

Over the years I’ve worked with senior leaders and boards of many of the Europe’s leading companies and have some really great clients in the marcoms, retail and technology sectors. I have a deep-rooted passion for inspiring leaders to develop themselves and their organisations to maximise long-term sustainable business performance. I provide revolutionary training in human psychology, allowing leaders to literally transform how they think and operate – this is at the core of my work.

I’m married with two children and live close to the sea. I generally love sport, adventure and travel. I’m an ultra-marathon runner and a wannabe yoga teacher.

Michael Murphy

Chairman

Chairman of Waypoint Partners, I also run my own advisory firm with a growing portfolio of non-executive and advisory positions, mainly in the communications and marketing sectors.

I’ve accumulated decades of global experience in helping organisations to change and adapt, become more efficient and successfully develop. Until three years ago I was global CEO of Grayling. Current clients range from early stage start-ups to global consultancies.

I enjoy participating in sport and am passionate about all things Scottish. I’m a regular on the networking circuit attending numerous global conferences and I’m a member of The Superbrands Council.

Rob Blencowe

Associate

As an Associate at Waypoint Partners I will be supporting the Partners on growth consultancy and deal transaction work.

I joined Waypoint from KPMG, where I worked on technology consulting engagements across a range of industries while also completing the ACA accountancy qualification.  Prior to this I gained some valuable experience in the high tech industry, having worked at a Parisian hospitality start-up in its early stages.

Outside of work I enjoy travelling, food and sport.  I make good use of my language skills by frequently travelling to France and Spain, where I tend to overindulge in my second interest.

Naomi Wai

Analyst

I joined Waypoint directly after graduating with a Master’s degree in Finance and Accounting.

As an Analyst, I have a lot of exposure in both consultancy and corporate finance work through supporting the team. I have passed the CFA Level I and have gained various internship experience in the Finance world.

Vulric Wolfdog

The Office Dog

Vulric is a boisterous, friendly and switched on puppy, he knows how to work the crowd and make an entrance.

Wolfdogs are known for being a challenging breed that requires continuous training and a lot of time to be dedicated to their physical and mental stimulation in order to make them thrive, and Vulric is no exception.

Vulric was introduced to the office environment at an early age and can pull off a long working day when needed – he laps up the attention and we love giving it to him.

Much like we have our eye on the next deal, Vulric’s eye is firmly on where the next treat will come from, he is partial to a squeaky toy, but his most favourite thing of all is a conference call – he was born for the spotlight.