Former Liberty CEO Iain Renwick joins UK consultancy BrandCap

BrandCap describes itself as a next generation business consultancy, which offers a pragmatic, holistic approach to clients, blending commercial acumen with entrepreneurial brand thinking to improve the performance of organisations everywhere. Founded in 2013, by Manfred Abraham, who formerly headed Interbrand’s consulting team, the London-based firm has been expanding its global presence in recent years, notably opening its first New York office in 2016.

Among the firm’s clients are Radisson, Fruit of The Loom, King, CUNA, Coty, Be The Business, Cambridge Assessments and Musgrave. As digital change consulting work continues to boom, while consultancies increasingly look to reposition themselves to offer both design and strategy services in a single offering, BrandCap is looking to expand that client base, and is preparing for a new growth phase, as it continues to operate in the intersection of branding, design, digital and management consultancy. To that end, the firm has appointed a new expert to its Board of Directors, in the shape of retail specialist Iain Renwick.

Renwick is the first external appointment to the BrandCap Board, while the firm will hope his wealth of experience in the luxury retail, media, design, communications, creative and environmental sectors will boost its leadership, going forward. Recently, Renwick was Executive Chairman of sustainability consultancy Eco Age – assisting businesses to achieve growth by adding value through sustainability – following a succession of retail and consulting industry roles.

Over the last five years Iain has worked with some of the world’s greatest luxury retail brands. Whilst Chairman of Eco-Age he dealt directly with Marco Bizzarri, the CEO of Gucci and his key reports, in brand positioning and activations to underpin its growing market leadership in sustainable values. Now the world’s most successful luxury brand and part of the Kering Group, this was a unique opportunity to be immersed in Gucci’s creative processes leading through manufacturing, production and consumer engagement.

Prior to his time with Eco Age, Renwich had spent six years at department store Liberty, four of which were at the helm of the firm. His legacy at the firm saw him widely credited with turning the company's fortunes around and successfully launching Liberty of London. At the time of his exit, Liberty Chairman Richard Balfour-Lynn commented that he had "made a major contribution to the current success of Liberty's retail business and has created a fantastic team of senior executives."

Renwick remains a non-executive director for a diverse range of organisations. He is also a Trustee of the Maria Nobrega Foundation, which safeguards international cultural heritage, through restoration and sustainable regeneration, education, employment and protection of the environment through the development of traditional art forms.

Commenting on his new challenge with BrandCap, Iain Renwick said, “Brand has never played such an important role in business strategy as it has to today. I fundamentally believe that moving forward organisations have to demonstrate their values and purpose to the consumer – the real people they engage with – or go home.  Without purpose and values imbuing an organisation you can’t engage a new generation of consumer. My role at BrandCap is to spread this message and encourage more responsible business at a corporate level which can, and does, add value to the bottom line.”

Remarking on the appointment, Manfred Abraham, CEO of BrandCap, added, “This is such a coup for us. Iain’s experience speaks for itself. He is without a doubt one of the world’s heavy hitters and for him to join our consultancy in this capacity will further demonstrate our commitment to driving brand strategy up the corporate agenda. BrandCap is in an incredibly exciting place at the moment and this appointment is just the start of our growth plans. Watch this space!”

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