Nine Feet Tall announces leadership transition

Bath-based change management consultancy Nine Feet Tall has announced a leadership transition as founder and chief executive Esther McMorris steps down after more than 20 years leading the business.

The consultancy will now be led by managing partner Dave Durrant and partner Tiggy McCool, who have been part of Nine Feet Tall’s leadership team for seven and 15 years, respectively. 

Together, they will guide the firm, which counts the likes of Sainsbury’s, Pets at Home, Weetabix, Diageo, Harrods and St John Ambulance among its client list, through its next phase of growth, supported by its wider management and consulting team.

Dave 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.”

Founded as a values-led consultancy, Nine Feet Tall specialises in supporting organisations through complex change programmes, including large-scale ERP implementations and digital transformation.

The transition follows the firm joining the Talan Group in 2024, expanding its capability across data, AI, cyber and digital solutions. Nine Feet Tall employs more than 50 people across Bath, London and Manchester and was named on the Sunday Times Best Places to Work list in 2024.

Esther added: “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, so don’t put the book down yet!”

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