About Ian
Ian McAteer is the co-founder and former Group Chairman of The Union, one of the UK’s most awarded independent creative agencies.
He began his career in London at Saatchi & Saatchi in 1984, working on national accounts and joining the board in 1990. After that, he returned to Scotland to join Faulds Advertising in 1992 before co-founding The Union in 1996.
Under his leadership, the agency became a trusted partner to major brands including VisitScotland, Scottish Government, NTS, The Open University and Highland Spring.
He guided The Union for nearly 30 years, helping clients balance creative ideas with measurable commercial results.
In 2025, he led the transfer of ownership to an Employee Ownership Trust, securing the agency’s independence and culture for the future. Since then, he has stepped back from daily management.
Now semi-retired, Ian works selectively as a marketing consultant, trustee and board advisor. He continues to support organisations that value creativity, clarity and leadership built on trust.
At XP Hospitality Edinburgh 2025, Ian McAteer The Union will headline the event. He will explore why belief and creativity still matter in an automated world, and how steady, confident leadership shapes long-term success.
About The Union
The Union is a full-service creative agency based in Edinburgh and Leeds. It blends strategy, creativity and craft to help brands connect, convert and grow.
Its clients span travel, education, retail and public service. Because collaboration is central to its work, every project combines insight with imagination.
Now employee-owned, The Union continues to build on Ian McAteer’s founding vision of creativity, partnership and belief.
