Founder Charlie Crompton leaves Rogue

Production company  Rogue has announced that Kate Taylor [above right] and James Howland [above centre], who joined as partners in 2020, are to take the reins as joint owners of the business in the spring, as it's founder, Charlie Crompton [above left], decides to step down.

“Rogue has launched many, many stellar careers, won numerous awards and worked with the very best creative talent at Agencies across the globe," said Crompton. "I’m endlessly proud of what we’ve created, and the culture and DNA lives on in a fantastic roster, and one of the most experienced management teams in James and Kate.  

“The plan was always for me to leave the next chapter of this precious and thriving business to Kate and James, so I can shift my attention to all the industry offers beyond Rogue - and the right time for that is now.  It's hard to walk away from a company that has consumed my energy and attention for half my lifetime but I know I leave a great gang of wonderfully talented Rogues in the best shape and in the best hands for 2025 and beyond”.

“The plan was always for me to leave the next chapter of this precious and thriving business to Kate and James, so I can shift my attention to all the industry offers beyond Rogue."

“Charlie is a legend in the industry and will be sorely missed at Rogue Towers for all the energy and creativity that he brings," said Taylor, "but we understand the draw of pastures new, and we wish him all the best in whatever he pursues next, he will excel, no doubt.

"Since joining in 2019, we have signed 13 directors to the roster, launched a whole new look and feel for Rogue, increased the production staff tenfold and, under the remit of Charlie Roberson, launched REBEL, our emerging talent platform. Rogue has also funded and produced three multi-award-winning short films, and has a feature in development.

"Rogue 2025 is in excellent shape and as we bid farewell to the one and only Charlie Crompton - grateful to have had the chance to build on what he launched with David van der Gaag 25 years ago. We are both excited to be pushing Rogue forward to further success.”

“It’s been an amazing journey working alongside Charlie since 2001, with many huge creative highs and of course a million laughs to go with them," added Howland. "He is undoubtedly a one off and we will miss that unique Crompton energy and creative zest he always carries with him. We wish him all the very best for the future.”

Crompton was Chairman of The British Arrows from 2016-2019, and still sits on the Arrows Board of Directors, bringing his personal and unique brand of energy and creativity to the industry. While he says that his next move is a closely guarded secret, though adds, "if you give [me] a call, [I] might just tell you!".