James Townsend

Chief Executive Officer at Article Group

James Townsend is the Chief Executive Officer of Article Group, a position he has held since May 2022.1 With a diverse background spanning multiple industries, Townsend brings extensive experience in leadership, marketing, and business transformation to his role.

Career Highlights

Article Group and Recent Experience: Townsend joined Article Group as CEO after a brief period as a freelance consultant and strategic advisor from August 2021 to May 2022.2 In his current role, he leads the company's overall strategy and operations.

Regis Corporation: Prior to Article Group, Townsend served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Regis Corporation from April 2019 to July 2021.2 During his tenure, he played a crucial role in transforming the company into a fully-franchised business and technology company. His key achievements included:

Launching new digital capabilities across priority brands
Implementing first-party data strategies
Developing and deploying the company's first influencer program
Leading the retail merchandise business transition
Creating and launching brand strategies for core brands

72andSunny: Townsend held several leadership positions at 72andSunny from 2011 to 20192, including:

Chief Development Officer / Partner (2018-2019)
President / Partner (2014-2018)
Managing Director / Group Brand Director (2011-2014)

During his time at 72andSunny, he opened and led the company's first office in New York and achieved significant business growth with clients like Samsung, Comcast, and Facebook.

Education and Personal Philosophy

Townsend holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Social Anthropology from Goldsmiths, University of London, which he earned from 1995 to 1998.1

His personal motto reflects his approach to work and life: "Be interested in everything and everyone, and don't be an a**hole."3 Townsend values authenticity, avoiding unnecessary complexity, having fun, and treating people with respect in his professional endeavors.

James Townsend's diverse experience and leadership skills have positioned him well for his current role as CEO of Article Group, where he continues to drive innovation and growth in the marketing and creative industries.

Experience

Chief Executive Officer at Article Group since May 2022

Consultant | Strategic Advisor at Freelance, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer at Regis Corporation, Chief Development Officer / Partner and President / Partner at 72andSunny, VP, Client Services at HUGE Inc., Account Director at Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, Director of Client Services at Code and Theory, Executive Producer at The Rumor MIll, Freelance Writer and Producer in Entertainment, Account Executive at Ogilvy & Mather