Cheltenham digital design agency JFD has appointed a new managing director this March 2026, as its founder pivots into a new role focusing on its racing and bloodstock clients.
Louise Mortimer joins the team from RBL Brand Agency, where she was head of client services, with a view to carrying the business forward through refreshing its digital design proposition.
Louise takes over from JFD founder, James Ford, who moves into a newly created role of business development director for racing and bloodstock.
A wholly-owned part of award-winning communications group, Camargue, JFD provides digital design services from brand and identity, to corporate, B2B and B2C assets, with its fully in-house digital design and web development team consisting of 22 staff members.
Ben Copithorne, managing director at Camargue, said of Louise's appointment: 'Our business is evolving and Louise coming in to head our digital and design team is another step in that strategy. At a time when creative and impactful design has never been more important and the pace of innovation never faster, we’re pleased to welcome Louise into our business to refresh our digital and design proposition and take JFD forward.'
Louise added: 'I’ve admired JFD and Camargue for a long time and know the quality of the team’s work. Having the opportunity to step in and lead that team is a fabulous prospect and I’m excited to be joining the business. I’m looking forward to working with James and the wider management team and optimistic for what we can achieve.'
Within a portfolio of clients and sectors, JFD has developed a specialism for supporting racing and bloodstock clients, including the likes of Qipco, The Jockey Club, The Bahrain Turf Club, Tweenhills and The Al Thani Collection.
The firm says James's new role will allow him to spearhead that area of the business as part of its overall evolution and development.
James said: 'When we created JFD in the 1990s we were young, ambitious and eager to make our mark. Through four decades we have delivered creative, high-impact design that’s aligned to client goals and added tremendous value across hundreds of campaigns.
'I couldn’t be prouder to be handing over the MD seat to Louise as part of well-planned succession at JFD and the overall and intentional evolution of Camargue under employee ownership.
'I’m looking forward to my new role, to staying hands on in areas that reflect my passion and relationships; and to seeing JFD go from strength to strength.'
Louise also joins Camargue’s group operating board and management board, with James stepping away from those boards and joining its trustee board.
