LANDMARK has become 100% employee-owned following the transfer of the golf marketing and communications agency to an Employee Ownership Trust.
The change places ownership of the Stamford-based business with its employees while securing the agency’s long-term independence. Founder Gary Firkins and CEO John McKenzie will continue to lead LANDMARK, with its team, structure and day-to-day operations remaining unchanged.
Founded in 2003 by former Golf World journalist Firkins, LANDMARK provides brand, PR, digital marketing and communications services to golf courses, resorts, private members’ clubs, brands and industry organisations.
Its client portfolio includes Gleneagles, Camiral, European Tour Destinations, Perry Ellis Europe, Terre Blanche, Heritage Resorts & Golf, Arabella Golf Resort Mallorca and Mid Ocean Club. The agency has also worked on communications surrounding the Ryder Cup.
Gary Firkins said: “Our talented and highly professional team has always taken ownership of the brilliant work we do for clients – and now they have ownership of the business they do it for.
“Transitioning to an EOT creates an even stronger sense of accountability, ambition and commitment, which directly elevates the results we deliver for our clients.”
LANDMARK has also produced industry research and content for organisations including KPMG, Syngenta, Club Car and the Club Managers Association of Europe’s England Region.
John McKenzie said: “Employee ownership is about taking a long-term view and protecting the culture and values on which LANDMARK has been built.
“We are incredibly excited to be evolving our dynamic business, where every team member is directly invested in our clients’ success.”
For clients across the golf industry, the EOT structure provides continuity while allowing LANDMARK’s employees to share directly in the agency’s future development.
For more information visit www.landmark-media.com.
