After two decades at the helm of Ubiquitous, the leading nationwide supplier of OOH taxi advertising, founder Andrew Barnett is retiring at the end of April.
The experienced team he has built over the years will continue to drive the business forward, ensuring seamless continuity and expert leadership.
Effective 1 May 2025, Jim Cohen, currently chief revenue officer, will be promoted to managing director, and Suzy Taylor, currently director of campaign management, will be promoted to director of operations. Together with director of finance Simon Lavelle, the leadership team collectively brings more than 60 years of experience in taxi advertising. And that doesn’t include other Ubiq staff, some of whom have been with the business for years.
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“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved since the business started in a Portakabin in Bethnal Green in January 2005. It has been a rewarding, fun and, at times, exhausting challenge to drive the business to where it is today – a coveted position in the UK OOH sector. From day one, we have been pedantic about delivery and service quality. That hasn’t changed, and I know it will continue without me,” said Barnett.
“I thank everyone at Ubiq (past and present) for all their efforts over the years. I also thank our incredible suppliers, including, of course, the thousands of loyal cabbies who carry our campaigns. You have been and will continue to be as valuable and essential to us as our clients.”
Current CRO Cohen said: “Andrew built something special, and we’re proud to continue that legacy with the same expertise and commitment to our clients. Taxi advertising has stood the test of time because it works. We’re in a good place to ensure it continues to grow in London and beyond.”
Ubiquitous has thrived on a model that remains as effective today as 20 years ago – traditional, high-impact taxi advertising that puts brands on the move, and the new leadership team say this approach will not change. Additionally, as part of Firefly – the US leader in taxi advertising – Ubiquitous benefits from continued stability, innovation, and global expertise.
Alongside continuity, Ubiquitous is also sharpening its focus beyond London. With the appointment of former AKA Northern chief Louise Walsh as group head this year, the company has increased its presence in major cities across the UK, working closely with agencies that plan and execute campaigns in those key markets. More exciting initiatives are in the pipeline.
