Just six months on from launch, The Alternative – an innovative global marketing studio – has welcomed three new faces to its team: doubling its headcount. Fulfilling the roles of Digital Lead, Creative Lead, and Project Lead, the latest additions will bring over two decades of combined experience to the fledgling studio and will oversee client strategy, creative and delivery.
This team expansion is part of The Alternative’s mission to offer dynamic strategies and journeys to brands that thrive on doing things in an alternative way.
Crafting seamless customer journeys through the development of innovative digital products is Josh Birch, who joins as Digital Lead. Prior to The Alternative, Josh honed his skills at leading agencies HDY and Launch, holding roles in UX/UI and digital design. His focus as Digital Lead lies in understanding user behaviour and translating those insights into exceptional digital experiences.
Josh boasts a Masters in User Experience Design from Birmingham City University, and shared his excitement about joining the team, commenting: “I’m so proud to be part of an innovative team that is transforming the way clients can access unique support and industry expertise. Having worked with Angel previously in my role at HDY, the opportunity to collaborate alongside her in a business that strives to do things differently was one I had to take.
“The use of human creativity alongside technology allows me to explore my interests in the latest tech trends and use that to bolster clients’ work. I’m excited to put my years of expertise towards supporting clients through challenges and helping them achieve their goals the Alternative way.”
Having worked as a freelancer for 12 years, Michael Owen brings a unique method and eye to his role of Creative Lead. His previous role as a freelance artist, designer and creative director, working with 5B artist management, Nuclear Blast Records and alternative artists such as Behemoth, Meshuggah and kreator led him to join The Alternative, where his work will oversee the creative directions of all ongoing client projects.
Completing the new triumvirate is Elsa George Thayil who joins The Alternative as Project Lead, bringing global experience in project management, business development, and integrated marketing. A PRINCE2® Practitioner with an MBA, she is equipped to lead projects with precision and strategic insight. Elsa’s proven ability to drive projects and foster strong client relationships makes her an invaluable addition to the team.
The Alternative was founded by award-winning marcomms expert, Angel Gaskell, with the vision to fix the broken client-agency relationship and changing up the role that content plays for brands. The studio harnesses the power of fusing human creativity with technology, working with household names like Pizza Pilgrims, Sodexo Live! and WorldSkills UK.
On welcoming the new faces to the team, Angel expresses: “I’m thrilled to announce that Josh, Michael, and Elsa have joined The Alternative team and are already bringing their unique perspectives to work into client projects. We’ve seen the way they bring our creative vision to clients, and to be able to expand the core team so soon is a brilliant reflection of the first few months of The Alternative.
We implement unique and journeys, to support brands that thrive from doing things differently. Our new creative digital leads allow us to offer clients expert support and guidance that looks at things from a new angle as we continue to pave the way with an ‘alternative’ approach that allows businesses to thrive.”
The Alternative Studio will see its team deliver its services across the globe, with offices in the Midlands, London, New York, and Australia. To find out more, visit wearethealternative.co.uk.
