Jonathan Sands OBE

Jonathan Sands OBE is a prominent figure in the creative industries with over 40 years of experience. He is currently the Chairman of The Third Pig Company, a virtual enterprise he established for his consulting clients.13

Career Highlights

Elmwood Design Consultancy:: Sands is best known for building Elmwood, a UK-headquartered design consultancy, into a global enterprise. Under his leadership, Elmwood became renowned for winning more design effectiveness awards than any other agency, expanding from a small provincial studio outside Leeds to international locations.1

Client Portfolio:: Throughout his career, Sands has worked with numerous high-profile clients, including the English FA, Wal-Mart, Royal Mail, Colgate, Unilever, P&G, and Carlsberg, among others.1

Global Influence:: He has consulted and spoken at conferences worldwide, from Australia to North America, China, India, Scandinavia, and across mainland Europe.1

Recent Developments

In 2021, Sands handed over the various Elmwood studios to their respective management teams. While he retains a significant shareholding in Born Ugly (the new name for the founding studio in Leeds), he stepped away from executive responsibilities in 2022.12

Accolades and Positions

• Awarded an OBE for services to the creative industry in the Queen's New Year's Honours List in 20111
• Received an Honorary Doctorate from Huddersfield University in 20001
• Served as a Visiting Professor of Innovation at Huddersfield University1
• Former council member of the Design Council for ten years1
• Fellow and past council member of the RSA1
• Youngest ever Chairman of the Design Business Association and first Chair from outside London1
• Named Mentor of the Year in the 'Connect Yorkshire' business awards in 20221

Current Roles

• Chairman of The Third Pig Company34
• Non-executive Director of Royal Armouries Trading & Enterprises Limited since September 20171
• Chairman of Royal Armouries Trading & Enterprises Limited since November 20181
• Trustee of the Royal Armouries since September 20181

Jonathan Sands OBE continues to be an influential figure in the creative and business world, leveraging his extensive experience through his new venture, The Third Pig Company.