Bath-based change management consultancy Nine Feet Tall starts the new year with a leadership transition after announcing that it founder and CEO Esther McMorris is stepping down after more than 20 years.
Nine Feet Tall will now be led by managing partner Dave Durrant and partner Tiggy McCool, who have been an integral part of the firm’s leadership team for seven and 15 years respectively.
In 2024, Nine Feet Tall joined the Talan Group, bringing expertise in data, AI, cyber and digital solutions.
Durrant said: “Consulting can be a tough environment, often fraught with burn out and prioritising metrics over real outcomes. Esther brought clear purpose and a desire to set up a consultancy focused on people and sustainability.
“She knew that ambition and diversity are mutually empowering, and this has always been at the core of Nine Feet Tall. I look forward to leading the team forward and continuing this ethos.”
Over two decades, Nine Feet Tall has accrued a client list including the likes of Sainsbury’s, Pets at Home, Weetabix, Diageo, Harrods and St John Ambulance.
McMorris said: “I am immensely proud of all we have achieved and this has not been an easy decision to make. These past 20 years are only the start for Nine Feet Tall, which is a truly a special place, with an amazing team and an impressive client list.
“The knowledge that Dave, Tiggy and our wider Leadership Team are taking Nine Feet Tall forward mean I can proudly celebrate everything we have achieved. Now, as I bring this chapter of my life to a close, I can also look to my own future with the complete confidence in their leadership, integrity, and drive to continue the success of Nine Feet Tall and Talan.
“With a clear strategy, a strong, ambitious and driven team, along with true commitment to our clients, I am confident Nine Feet Tall’s next chapter will be even more exciting.”
Nine Feet Tall’s team has grown to over 50 employees in its home city of Bath, as well as opening offices in London and Manchester.
Nine Feet Tall was named on the Sunday Times Best Places to Work list in 2024.
