Andrew is a successful business leader with 30 years’ experience in brand management, finance and M&A. His Fantastic journey started initially as a client in 2007, before taking an active advisory role in the business for several years. More recently – in a true Victor Kian moment – he acquired a 50% stake in Fantastic in 2023.
Alongside his role as Director at Fantastic Media, he supports growth companies and financiers with strategic planning, capital raising and corporate transactions. He has held senior positions at global creative agencies including Saatchi & Saatchi and Wunderman, after starting his career at Arthur Anderson & Co., London. He has founded, exited and invested in multiple businesses across sectors from technology to sport and automotive.
A creative strategist with a proven record in developing growth strategies, leading cross-functional teams, and advising senior leadership on brand, finance, and performance transformation. Known for his clear, practical approach, strong stakeholder management and ability to deliver results in high-pressure situations, Andrew brings invaluable commercial expertise to Fantastic’s leadership team as well as offering a broader skillset in mergers, acquisition and investment for our clients.
Andrew graduated from the University of Cambridge in 1995 and Saïd Business School, University of Oxford in 2007, with a postgraduate diploma in Financial Strategy.
He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Expertise
- Strategic planning and growth consultancy
- Capital raising, mergers, acquisitions, and corporate transactions
- Senior experience across global agencies
- Financial and transaction support
- Founding, leading, exiting, and investing in businesses across multiple sectors
- Marketing strategy and creative commercial problem-solving
- Relationship building with business owners, investors, and financiers
Having been involved in 100s of commercial deals I still love helping ambitious businesses unlock growth through strategy, capital and commercial clarity.
Andrew McCarthy
Director & Co-Owner
