thebigword makes the world a smaller place by breaking down language barriers, supporting global trade and helping people access goods, commerce and services in their own languages.
We provide the best translation, interpretation, localization and language technology solutions for businesses, the public sector and individuals – handling up to 50,000 worldwide assignments every day.
We’re a truly global business with a ‘think global, act local’ approach – empowering our customers to communicate clearly with speakers of all languages.
To us, a first class service means meeting every client’s cost, quality and delivery expectations every time. We achieve this through innovative language technology, expert operational teams and a talented network of 15,000 linguists.
As the world gets smaller, the need for language services grows. thebigword has the right solutions, expertise and people to deliver every single time.
Previously known as the Link Up Group, thebigword was founded in 1980 by our CEO, Larry Gould, and soon established itself as a leading recruitment and Language Service Provider (LSP). The sale of our recruitment division, in 1996, enabled us to focus solely on becoming a world-class LSP.
Since then, the company has grown into a truly global company – with 12 offices across the world and 600 staff. We are proud to be rated as one of the top 20 global language companies.
As we’ve grown, we’ve supported companies to deliver products to new markets; we’ve helped peacekeeping forces diffuse conflicts in war zones and we’ve supported patients and doctors at some of the most difficult and stressful times – helping to take some of the worry away.
Making the world smaller. Enabling everyone to access services and trade by breaking the language barrier.
We are a vibrant, diverse and multicultural team, across continents worldwide. We are experts in our field and understand the wider responsibility, influence and impact of our work within the team.
We take our quality and performance seriously, and ensure our expertly trained team, network of linguists and advanced technology are producing world class value for our clients.
We are passionate professionals, we love what we do and truly believe in the power of breaking down barriers to connect, inspire and educate.
We are committed to designing and developing the world’s most innovative tools and solutions for the global languages market.
We work in close partnership with our linguist community, service and technology partners, taking time to listen and collaborate on service provision and new technological advances.
Chairman
Group CEO
Director and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility
Group Chief Financial Officer
Group Chief People Officer
Group Chief Commercial Officer
Group Chief Operating Officer
Group Chief Information Officer
Group Chief Marketing Officer
Global Director of Communications
Chairman
The embodiment of true entrepreneurialism, Larry Gould has grown thebigword brand from start-up to leading language technology business, now trusted by more than 80% of the top 100 global brands and organizations. His enthusiasm for the business, and its people, is a key driving force behind the evolution of thebigword as the number one choice for language solutions.
“We believe that being able to speak and read in your customer’s language will soon be taken as the norm.”
Group CEO
Joshua Gould has worked as an entrepreneur and senior executive in the Language, Defence and Government services sector for almost two decades. As Global CEO, Mr Gould overseas the Group’s operations across Translation, Interpretation and Defence.
With a solid background in global expansion, market development and proven commercial track record, as CEO and Co-founder of TBW Global, Mr Gould has demonstrated success in leading cross-functional teams to drive global growth and efficiency.
“Our clients are helping to drive fantastic technological innovation within thebigword and the industry. I’m focused on delivering a viable, future-facing commercial strategy, which delivers the solutions our clients are looking for.”
Director and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility
Michele heads up the company’s CSR committee, which is preparing thebigword for the long term by balancing social, environmental and economic considerations against key business decisions.
“We’re proud of our work around the globe and want to ensure our company is fully engaged with its committed staff and the communities we serve.”
Group Chief Financial Officer
Andy is thebigword’s Group Finance Director. Having worked with the Company for 18 years in various Finance leadership roles, Andy is now responsible for the day to day Financial management of the business. Andy’s longevity in the company and in the language Industry puts him in a unique position where he can call on his past experience to influence the future.
‘I am proud to be the leader of thebigword Groups Finance function. I truly believe thebigword is at the dawn of an exciting new era and I passionate about leading us forward by providing second to none Finance support’
Group Chief People Officer
Leanne is a senior HR specialist, with a wealth of expertise in learning & development, management development and leadership. With more than ten years’ private sector experience at director/ management level, she champions our Global People Agenda and leads on all aspects of HR covering: employment relations; talent and leadership development; recruitment; commercial training; apprenticeships; and employee engagement.
“I believe that our people are our biggest asset. I’m passionate about empowering them to develop their skills and abilities to truly succeed in their careers with us.”
Group Chief Commercial Officer
Clare has more than 10 years’ of language industry experience and has spent the past five years managing and providing language support to defense clients. Clare was responsible for the creation of the Defence and International Security team in 2011 and has since led its expansion and development.
Clare holds responsibility for the team’s global sales, contract management and commercial development. She ensures our contracts are not only 100% fulfilled but are also constantly improved to deliver an unrivaled and cost-effective service to our customers.
Group Chief Operating Officer
Responsible for the design and delivery of our global client experience strategy, Mark ensures our translation and interpreting operations run smoothly and efficiently.
“I’m passionate about ensuring we deliver a world class service to our clients around-the-clock. With a combination of talent and specialist technology, we can work flexibly with our clients to provide irresistible solutions.”
Group Chief Information Officer
With almost two decades experience leading commercial and technology departments for national and multi-national companies; Mark leads thebigword’s technology team.
Mark is passionate about driving innovation forward throughout the business with products designed for a new digital future in order to provide clients with the most efficient technical solutions.
“I’m proud to lead thebigword’s innovative technology department which continues to develop market leading technology.”
Group Chief Marketing Officer
A marketing professional with more than two decades of experience in the creation and management of brands, digital, events and lead generation campaigns, Luis is responsible for driving and executing thebigword’s marketing strategy and alliance and strategic partnerships programmes.
Luis has operated on both sides of the marketing fence during his career both in Central America and Europe, including corporate and field marketing as well as public relations programs and has been able to shape a truly “360” vision for thebigword’s communications strategy – never losing sight of the commercial and growth focus that thebigword has pursued.
“I’m incredibly proud to be leading a team that clearly communicates our brand, driving strategies that engage, inspire and acquire clients, employees, prospects and partners. Working collaboratively with all teams across the business globally, I’m excited to be at the forefront of defining the future of thebigword.”
Global Director of Communications
Rory is a true communications and PR professional with 10 years experience in both public and private sectors. Rory joined thebigword Group as a Press Coordinator in June 2017. He is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with the media, key strategic partners and with internal teams at thebigword. Rory works closely with our teams in all of our key regions, promoting thebigword’s brand and reputation across the globe. “thebigword Group does incredibly important work around the globe, enabling everybody to access services and products in their native language, no matter what the situation. It is my privilege to the lead the communications team who promote the good work we are doing around the world.”