Oystercatchers chair Suki Thompson passes away

Suki Thompson, chair and co-founder of Marketing Week sister brand Oystercatchers, has passed away after a long battle with cancer.

Thompson died on Sunday (30 July) at her home in Perranporth, Cornwall, with her family by her side.

She dedicated her final months to raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support, and awareness of preventive measures.

Through Suki’s Steps and Swim, a sponsored walk and swim last month, and silent auction, she raised almost £200,000 for the cancer charity, while an appearance on ITV1’s Good Morning Britain saw her encouraging everyone to wear sunscreen to reduce the threat of melanoma.

She co-founded Oystercatchers in 2007, joining the executive committee of Marketing Week’s parent Centaur after it bought the marketing services consultancy in 2016.

A serial entrepreneur, she also founded specialist gin brand Bunker Gin, and most recently Let’s Reset, which offers guidance to companies on improving the mental wellbeing of their employees.

She was also an active and respected member of the marketing community through her involvement in The Marketing Society, where she was chair for three years from 2011, and her membership of WACL and MGGB.

Russell Parsons, editor-in-chief of Marketing Week, says: “On behalf of the Marketing Week team I want to express my sadness at Suki’s passing. But also my gratitude. I was always struck by her drive, enthusiasm and energy. But also her passion and belief in everything marketing and marketers can be. She was a great advocate for the industry and will be missed. My thoughts are with her family.”

A family funeral will be held in a few weeks, ahead of a memorial service of celebration to be held in the coming months with details on timings and location to be confirmed.

You can still donate to Macmillan Cancer Support by visiting Suki’s Just Giving page.