Woodrow

Founded by Charlie Tarr – one of PRovoke Media’s Innovator 25 for EMEA in 2023 – the so-far-small but powerful strategic communications firm Woodrow has carved out a position that few agencies can claim—advising world leaders, shaping global policy, and driving corporate transformation. In 2024, the agency delivered a 21% revenue increase, hitting £3.48 million, and secured 84 new deals worth £2.5 million. This momentum earned it a place in the Financial Times 1000 list of Europe’s fastest-growing companies for the second consecutive year, a rare achievement for a communications firm.

Woodrow has built a model that goes beyond traditional PR, integrating corporate affairs, leadership advisory, and emerging technology communications. Its news Emerging Technologies Division embeds entrepreneurs from Nike, Puma, and HyperMint into its team to navigate the AI, blockchain, and Web3 revolutions, while its Advisory arm is reshaping high-stakes reputation management and M&A communications, surpassing $1.4 billion in transactions over the past four years. 

The firm’s ability to influence at the highest level is reinforced by a formidable leadership team, with PR industry heavyweight Jim Donaldson as chair, alongside ex-Edelman and Ogilvy CEO Stuart Smith, corporate communications and fintech expert Izzy Wood, and government affairs specialist Philana Mugyenyi, who brings deep lobbying and policy expertise from the World Bank and US legal circles.

With operations in London, Nairobi and New York, Woodrow is equally at home advising Silicon Valley disruptors, shaping UN policy, or driving sustainable development initiatives in Africa. Over the past year, it has exposed critical human rights violations with The White Helmets, securing a CNN global exclusive on Syria’s chemical warfare evidence; turned rural crime into a national conversation through its work with the Country Land & Business Association, forcing political action; helped dismantle the UK’s controversial Rwanda asylum scheme by working with Choose Love to expose its financial and logistical failures; and led communications for the Africa Food Systems Summit, reaching 1.3 million decision-makers and positioning AGRA as a policy leader.

A certified B Corp, Woodrow is committed to sustainability, gender equity, and workplace transformation. In 2024, it launched the first PR Academy for sub-Saharan Africa, providing masterclasses with CNN and The Economist editors; offered 16 weeks fully-paid leave for all parents on its team; and introduced the Accelerate programme, providing intensive training in AI, digital marketing, and strategic networking, with guest speakers ranging from air traffic controllers to media editors. — MPS