i4 Product Design (i4PD) have announced that Ryan Fenton has joined the company as its new Managing Director. Fenton takes over from Brian Combe who in 2003, along with his Co-founders, started the Scottish design and engineering consultancy. i4PD began as an Industrial Design and Mechanical Engineering consultancy that was owned and operated by its four founders. Under Combe’s leadership the consultancy has added electronics and software design capabilities to the team and is now Scotland’s largest turnkey development partner, working with some of the world’s most innovative brands. Combe has also led the company’s transition to Employee Ownership to which the business credits its resilience to the challenges presented by COVID and the Cost of Living Crisis.
With these strong foundations and Fenton’s vision for building a Scottish powerhouse of design, the company is set for a period of significant growth under this new leadership. Originally from Edinburgh, Fenton received his undergrad in Industrial Design from Brunel and a PhD from London Southbank University. He held several Design Director roles, including a leadership position at one of London’s premier Industrial Design consultancies. Most recently he founded his own Product Design consultancy in Belfast. When Fenton was approached with the role it was perfect timing and an easy decision to both return home and join the company he had been watching progress from afar.
Ryan Fenton – Managing Director at i4 Product Design – “i4PD have already built an enviable reputation in the Scottish technology eco-system and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the team into the next exciting stage of growth. We’re one of the few consultancies that can offer a comprehensive suite of product development services under one roof – from initial design research and visual concepts through mechanical, electronics and software engineering to final manufacturing design and regulatory approvals, i4PD can support clients through the entire product development journey and ensure a successful outcome. It’s an exceptional pool of talent available, on tap, for our customers and I’ve got no doubt that our reputation for solving problems and accelerating developments will continue to grow internationally.”
Brian Combe – Co-founder and Former Managing Director at i4 Product Design – “When my Co-founders and I set-up the business, one of our key values was to create a legacy for the next generation of designers and engineers. I had this picture in my mind of someone who would replace me and Ryan quite literally ticked all the boxes. Ryan’s track record as a designer and his limitless enthusiasm will be a welcomed addition to i4PD’s leadership team.