Creative agency The Social Shepherd has named Sarah Platt as its new managing director.

She was the firm’s finance director and has held positions in senior leadership at other agencies.

This move comes as co-founder Jack Shepherd moves out of the role of managing director to the role of chief commercial officer, where he will be responsible for leading the agency’s growth and commercial strategy.

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According to the company, Platt’s appointment follows “a year of economic turbulence across the industry”, which has made the agency change its leadership strategy.

Platt said: “Stepping into the MD role at The Social Shepherd is both an honour and a privilege. It’s such an exciting time for the agency, and I am passionate about supporting our teams through our next stage of growth.”

Shepherd added: “Sarah taking on the managing director is a pivotal moment for The Social Shepherd, and I’m super excited for her to drive the agency forward, leading and supporting our department leads and wider agency teams.

“I’m a big advocate for playing to your strengths, and our role changes do exactly that. Ensuring we deliver excellence for our clients, our team and our growth ambitions.”

Image: Jack Shepherd and Sarah Platt