Co-founder Robert Laycock steps down and becomes a non-executive member of the board
Marlow Studios has named Sir John Armitt and Max James as its new chairman and CEO, respectively.
Previous chief executive Robert Laycock, who is also a co-founder of the business, has stepped back from the role and become a non-executive member of the board. This is the same role as fellow co-founders Simon Barrowcliff, William Camoys and John Hartz.
Armitt and James are also board members in addition to their new roles.
Armitt has held a number of senior leadership roles in many industries, including chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority for London 2012 from 2007 until after the Games, chief executive of Network Rail, chief executive of Costain Group, chairman of the national infrastructure commission, and more.
Meanwhile, James has over 35 years of experience in international investment, development and finance. He has worked at the likes of Barings, Lazard and HSBC, latterly as global head of real estate, as well as CEO of Quintain PLC and subsequently Blackwall London where he led the creation and delivery of major London mixed-use developments including Wembley Park, Greenwich Peninsula and Thameside West.
Armitt said: “The Studios’ construction is a strong vote of confidence in the UK creative and technology sectors, reflecting the world-leading role that the UK plays in the global creative economy. This leadership role for the UK is founded on our deep-rooted talent base, our long tradition of creativity and our business excellence. It is a cornerstone of the UK economy of which we should all be proud.
“We owe a great deal to the leadership and vision from the founders that have brought Marlow Studios to this point, and I look forward to continuing to work with them. Marlow Studios’ ambition is to help lead the UK creative sector into the next decade and beyond, as a home for some of the world’s most innovative creative talent.”
Laycock said: “Britain plays a leading role in the world’s creative economy, and our production sector has the ability to define the coming era of filmmaking. Marlow Studios is the campus designed to deliver that potential. Remarkably, the top five live-action titles of 2026 have sold tickets worth over $6.28 billion around the world, and 85% of that box office revenue is from films made here or produced by Brits. My co-founders and I are delighted to have appointed Sir John and Max and we are looking forward to taking Marlow Studios through its next phase and realising our vision.”
Marlow Studios was belatedly given planning permission for 18-stage facility last year, after the government stepped into overrule Buckinghamshire council’s rejection. It recently acquired 230,000 sq ft of office space to house its HQ nearby to the site.
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