Enigma has appointed Kate Sheppard as Managing Director, Sydney, as the independent agency ramps up its leadership capability in the market.
Sheppard will work closely with CEO and Founder Lisa Sutton Gardner, joining a senior leadership team that includes Chief Strategy Officer Dom Hickey, Chief Creative Officer Simon Lee and Chief Media Officer Justin Ladmore.
The appointment is part of Enigma’s push to sharpen its Sydney offering, with existing leadership including Jack Mason, Managing Director of Enigma Newcastle, and Amy Dascanio, Managing Director of Enigma Media.
Gardner said the hire reflects a focus on delivering stronger commercial outcomes for clients.
“At a time when many agencies are understandably running scared, I’m doubling down on where I know the greatest value to clients lies: a team of world-class strategic and creative business-problem solvers,” she said.
Sheppard’s past experiences
Sheppard brings more than 20 years of experience across integrated agency environments, spanning creative, strategy, media and business leadership.
Most recently, she was Managing Director at Connecting Plots, following a two-decade tenure at DDB.
At DDB, she worked closely with Hickey, leading a bespoke Omnicom agency for Johnson & Johnson ANZ across creative and media.
Sheppard comments
Sheppard said the role aligns with her experience across both network and independent agency models.
“This is a role I’ve been preparing for my whole career… combining the perspective and rigour of leading complex businesses with the adaptability and pace of indie experience,” she said.
She added that reuniting with Hickey and working alongside the broader leadership team were key drivers.
The appointment comes as Enigma continues to build momentum, with recent new business wins including Australian Pork’s media account.
Main image: Kate Sheppard