Tyneside digital agency Podium looks to the future following successful MBO

Ownership of the 14 year old agency has transferred to Sarah McKevitt, Lia Gordon and Katie Toman

A Tyneside digital marketing agency is looking to the future following a successful management buyout. The team at Gosforth based Podium has completed the MBO with ownership transferring to three long-standing members of its senior team.

Ownership of Podium, which specialises in SEO, PPC (Pay-Per-Click) and social media management, has transferred to Sarah McKevitt, Lia Gordon and Katie Toman. Founder and managing director Andy Thevarokiam, who set up the company in 2012, is stepping back from day-to-day leadership.

Ms McKevitt, Ms Toman and Ms Gordon have held long-standing roles within the company and have been closely involved in its growth over a number of years. They will now jointly lead the next phase of the business, with a focus on continuity for clients and further development of the agency’s offering.

They said the deal ensures the company remains independent, and that they plan to boost their local client base by 20% over the next year.

Mr Thevarokiam will remain involved while handing over operational control to the new ownership team. He said: “This decision comes with a great deal of pride. It’s not goodbye, but the start of something new.

“Sarah, Lia and Katie have been central to the business for years and know it inside out. The service and results our clients expect will remain unchanged, with fresh energy driving the next phase. The business is in safe hands, and I’ll continue to support the team as they take it forward.”

Ms McKevitt added: “The chance to lead a business I’ve helped shape since 2017 was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

“We are staying true to the values Andy instilled, exceptional results and a modern, flexible workplace, while pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve for our clients over the next 12 months.”

The agency will continue to operate under the Podium brand.