Sprint Partners was founded by James Thomlinson, a former global communications agency Managing Director, with more than 20 years’ experience helping agencies modernise and grow, mostly across London, Amsterdam, Middle East (Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE) and Asia (Singapore, Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur).
James specialises in driving fast growth by launching new businesses, products and intellectual property, and by helping businesses operate in a more integrated way – ultimately ensuring they provide modern services, have a creative yet commercial culture, and are more profitable.
He has broad experience, having been involved in management buyouts, earn outs, rebrands, new market expansions and acquisitions. He holds a BSc in Business Management, Marketing & Law from UEA.
James has worked with some of the world's leading brands, managing multi-million-pound marketing remits spanning: PR; social; influence; digital; advertising; experiential; strategic consultancy; and capacity building. His sector experience includes consumer; corporate; geo-political; country branding; reputation management for CEOs, world-leaders and some high-profile issues.
His leadership of multiple agencies and clients has seen those he works with recognised countless times with industry awards, e.g., Cannes, CIPR, PRCA, PRWeek and many different verticals, particularly travel.
Along the way he has picked up some personal accolades too, including PRCA Young Professional, PRWeek 30 under 30, and is ranked 43rd in the World and 15th in Europe, having represented Great Britain in AG Sprint Triathlon (hence the name Sprint Partners).
“James is a quick-thinking and commercially savvy operator who pushes his teams hard to deliver great work. Also, good fun to be around - just don't challenge him in sport.”
Kev O’Sullivan, Chief Strategist at Omnicom
“James is a great inspiration. His entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and knowledge of the digital landscape, coupled with good commercial nous, helped us to build a genuinely integrated offer with great appeal to clients.”
Emily Luscombe, Chief Client Officer, Instinctif Partners Group
“James is someone I'd refer to as a 21st century comms man - he combines the best of a digital native with the skills of a modern storyteller. He is extremely knowledgeable about how brands can engage with their audiences and is genuinely liked and highly respected by his team and clients alike.”
Ian Priest, Founder of VCCP
“James is an entrepreneur, a highly skilled networker and a strong business leader. He is one of the fastest thinkers I know and can see opportunities - and convert them - where others can not. He is strategic, highly intelligent, fearless and he works hard. He would be an asset to any firm.”
Claire Southeard, Director at Lansons
“I had the pleasure of working with JT for close to four years. He was friendly and approachable at all times, offering tremendous and innovative insights into client challenges. As far as advisors on digital policy and strategy to, I couldn't recommend JT more highly.”
Daniel Hamilton, Managing Director at FTI Consulting
James is highly accomplished in the digital field. I worked with him on several projects and was struck not just by his knowledge and expertise but also by his ability to relate to clients and work collaboratively with other communications disciplines.”
Jonathan Oates, UK House of Lords Member & former Chief of Staff to Deputy Prime Minister
“James is an exceptional strategist in digital and marketing who gave the best advice and delivered brilliantly.”
Tim Ryan, Chairman of Consulum & former United Nations diplomat
“James is excellent to work with, hands on and committed.”
Phil Sherrell, Partner Media & IP, and Head of London at Bird & Bird
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