Gate One promotes Nick Kennell to Partner

Nick Kennell has become the first member of Gate One from beyond its founding team to be named Partner. Kennell’s promotion comes just months after it was announced creative agency Havas would be purchasing the firm.

Gate One is a consultancy in transition at the beginning of the new decade. The advisory firm made a name for itself in the 2010s by providing transformational advisory services to clients looking to solve multi-sector strategic challenges, and counts many large, ambitious organisations among its client base – both in the UK and abroad – as well as hosting a strong incubator wing. This led to the firm being purchased by advertising giant Havas at the end of 2019.

The deal was expected to furnish Havas with new capabilities and a significantly expanded presence, with Gate One’s 100 employees and associates joining the Havas Village campus, located in London’s King's Cross, in early 2020. However, the deal will see the consultancy retain its name and management – and as it prepares for new chapter in its history, the firm has promoted a new Partner to its leadership team. Nick Kennell becomes the first non-founding Partner at the firm, taking up the role having joined Gate One in 2017.

Kennell – an experienced strategic advisor and transformation leader who spent a combined decade with PA Consulting and Moorhouse – arrived at Gate One as a Client Director and executive team member to establish and grow the consultancy’s public sector offering. He recently acted as director of strategy and board member at an NHS Trust and is currently advising the executive team at a local authority.

Speaking on the news, Kennell said, “To be the first person to be promoted to partner at Gate One is a significant milestone in my career and in the company’s growth. It’s an honour to be recognised in this way and I look forward to helping shape Gate One’s future at this very exciting time for the business.”

Managing Partner Tim Phillips added, “I am pleased to welcome Nick to the leadership team. This promotion recognises the huge value he has brought to the company through his ability to develop long-term, trusted adviser relationships with our clients, while driving strategic business growth. His promotion is well deserved and Nick is well set to further contribute to our future growth.”