The Lede Company buys London's Aisle 8, names founder Winslade president of brand
What's the deal? The Lede CompanyDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has acquired London public relations agency Aisle 8Dealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → for undisclosed terms, and founder Lauren Winslade will join as president of brand. The deal, announced in October 2026, folds Aisle 8's 21-person team fully into Lede's operations.
Who's who? Lede, launched in New York and Los Angeles in 2018, spans marketing, communications, talent management, and large-scale events. Aisle 8, founded in 2014, builds fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands, with clients including Merit, FerrariDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, Bicester Village, and RuggableDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →.
Why now? The purchase extends a multi-year buildout of Lede's European and brand-marketing business. It opened a London office in 2022, bought Paris-based agencies in 2023, and owns US agency Element Brand GroupDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →.
What's the endgame? Lede wants a wider, cross-market communications platform, and Aisle 8 strengthens its luxury-consumer capabilities. "Lauren has built one of London's most respected communications agencies," said co-chief executive officer Christine Su, citing the team's "expertise in everyday luxury."
The new hire: Winslade's appointment as president of brand gives the expansion a senior local leader. Her two-decade career spans Aurelia PR, Ketchum, Hill & Knowlton, and a stint heading PR and communications at HarrodsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →. At Lede's London office, Matthew Avento will continue to oversee the talent and strategic communications divisions.
The signal: The deal reflects broader consolidation across marketing, communications, and talent management in the US and Europe, where agencies are combining specialist teams or buying complementary businesses to broaden their reach across continents.
Read more: wwd.com
Image credit: HerryLawford
