Benedict Hobson and Wai Shin Li

Co-CEOs

Client: Dezeen

Benedict Hobson and Wai Shin Li successfully led online architecture and design magazine Dezeen through the most challenging period in its entire 16-year history, taking the company from disaster to record-breaking success.

Dezeen was thrown into disarray when its founder, CEO and editor-in-chief, Marcus Fairs, suddenly and unexpectedly died on 30 June 2022, depriving the company of its leader, mentor and most experienced journalist at a time of declining traffic and revenues.

Thrust into the position of leading the company in unimaginably difficult circumstances, Benedict and Wai stepped up to the plate, bringing a shocked and bereaved team together and devising an ambitious strategy to turn things around and lead the company to record-breaking audience growth and commercial success.

In so doing, they justified their appointment as co-CEOs, helped secure the future of Dezeen and proved that they can continue to build on Marcus's considerable legacy in the years ahead.