Nat Poulter, co-CEO and co-founder of Jungle Creations, has announced he is leaving the digital first company to seek “pastures new”. His departure, flagged up on LinkedIn, means Jungle’s other co-CEO Melissa Chapman will now become CEO.
Revealing his departure, Poulter said: “All good things must come to an end, and so after an incredible 6 years I’m leaving Jungle Creations. I joined a bootstrapped 30-person business back in 2017 and this journey has given me more than I could have ever have imagined. We’ve worked hard to create a positive environment for ambitious and creative people to build something exciting, different and of real value.”
Among highlights during his tenure, Poulter picked out the company’s Series A financing round, the expansion of the company’s food brand Twisted and its growth in branded content. He also cited the launch of social agency The Wild by Jungle.
Poulter said: “It’s fair to say Jungle has become a big part of my identity, so the decision to leave was emotional. Owning, building and shaping a business as it grows is bloody hard work but it’s taught me so much and has been super fulfilling. I going to spend a few weeks with friends and family before taking on the next adventure.”
Chapman added: “I want to take the opportunity to thank Nat for everything he helped build at Jungle and his impact on the business will always remain. While I’m so sad to see Nat leave, I am of course honoured to continue to lead Jungle Creations & The Way by Jungle forward as CEO as we enter the next chapter for our business.”
Poulter’s departure comes a year after Jungle Creations sold a majority stake to private equity firm Livingbridge. At that time, Livingbridge said: “In 2020 the company generated revenues of £19.3m and EBITDA of £2.5m, while this year in 2021, Jungle is on track to generate revenues of £30m and profits of £5.5m.”
Jungle’s social brands currently have around 140m followers worldwide and include the likes of Twisted, Four Nine and Craft Factory. It recently launched digital first series ‘Engaged’ to coincide with International Women’s Day.
