McNae is a founding partner of Space Doctors, established in 2001 and bought by InSites Consulting (now Human8 ) in 2021. She is due to leave the business at the end of 2023.

Space Doctors has appointed head of insight Gareth Lewis (pictured left) and head of innovation and creative strategy Cato Hunt (pictured right) to lead the company from the start of January.

Lewis, who joined the business in 2010, will oversee day-to-day operations and join Human8’s global leadership team. Hunt has worked at Space Doctors since 2014 and will be responsible for shaping the portfolio – which includes semiotics, cultural analytics and foresight – and leading culture and talent. 

Fiona McNae said: "It’s been a long-planned decision to step back when the time is right, and that moment is now with us. Founding and growing Space Doctors has been such a privilege and I leave full of joy and gratitude. Gareth and Cato will now take our work forward and I couldn’t leave our extraordinary team and our wonderful clients in more creative, caring and capable hands."

McNae told Research Live: “My determination to try and bring positive change in the world is as strong as ever and I look forward to sensing into what my ‘third act’ will be. I have been focusing on challenging my own thinking in recent months, unlearning some deeply held beliefs and freeing space to engage more with more regenerative approaches to leadership. This will be part of my future for sure.”

Elsewhere in the Space Doctors leadership team, Maya Madhusoodan will remain managing director for Asia-Pacific, and Michael Thomas continues as senior vice-president for the US. 

Camille Nicita, global chief executive at Human8, said: “Fiona’s commitment to regenerative sustainability, seen in Space Doctors’ B Corp certification, has left an indelible mark. We bid Fiona a fond farewell, wishing her joy in her next endeavours. To Cato and Gareth stepping into leadership: your passion aligns seamlessly with Fiona's, inspiring our client teams. We're excited about the journey ahead under your guidance, carrying forward the spirit of positive change that Fiona has instilled in us all."