Koto appoints chairperson to preserve creative culture after private equity investment

Summary

Koto, a five-studio creative agency, has taken private equity investment from WestBridge but is attempting to preserve its creative culture rather than sacrifice it for growth. The agency has appointed Charles Fallon as its first chairperson—an unusual role in the design world—to help protect the studio's values and integrity while navigating the pressures that often come with private equity ownership. The article explores how Koto's structure and leadership choices aim to balance commercial success with maintaining the creative soul of the organization.