Magnus Wood

My early career was in advertising in the Nineties in global ad agencies including Saatchi & Saatchi and Ogilvy. I was a regular fixture at the Groucho and other disreputable Soho establishments.

I started my career by threatening to turn up to a job interview in a Batman costume. I got the interview, and the job.

Global ad campaigns for Dell, HP and Microsoft. Marketing Director of deckchair.com, Sir Bob Geldof’s travel website, in the dotcom years. Brand strategy and digital transformation for Coca-Cola, Diageo and O2.

Three times at the top of a business, left three times, not always when I chose.

Then I built an agency. I ran a 200-person business through its acquisition by The Hut Group.

I have been an MD, a CSO and a CMO. Board member many times, including of a PE-backed business. I know what a plan has to survive once it goes to the board.

One role, two levels below my experience, already had 361 applicants.

In February 2026, nine months ago as I write this, my last role ended. I thought I would get the job I had previously. I created multiple CVs. I applied for loads of jobs that I knew I could do. I didn’t get anywhere.

I’ve spent nine months coming to terms with myself, my career and who I am. I also know I’ve got years of vitality ahead of me. Years of earning, because I want to and because I have to.

I’m Scottish, and I have spent most of my adult life in London. I live in Kent with my wife, Caroline, and keep a boat in Surrey. I have two grown-up daughters. They are the responsibility I take most seriously. Cooking is how I unwind. I train hard. I write every day.

The whole of it on What’s next after 50 →