Managing Director, Global Creative & Media Leadership (London or Denmark)

Ready to shape the future of a global in-house agency? We are conducting an executive search for a Managing Director at an In-House Agency. The role will lead a globally integrated creative, media and performance function. Importantly, this Managing Director In-House role focuses on senior leadership capable of scaling an in-house agency across multiple markets. At the same time, the role requires a clear focus on commercial and creative impact.

“We’re looking for a transformative leader who can balance bold creativity with sharp commercial acumen – someone who sees creative and media as one integrated growth system and can scale it across 10+ markets to deliver real business impact,” says the Executive Vice President & CMO.

Managing Director Opportunity – Global In-House Agency Leadership

In this role, you will lead at a global scale, heading a leadership team of six senior functional leaders across Media, Creative & Production, Account Management & Strategic Planning, Agency Operations/COO, and Tech & Data, with Finance and HR reporting via dotted line.

Together, you will oversee a world-class in-house agency of approximately 150 colleagues, supported by a significant network of external partners. All teams operate as one integrated, function-led agency serving the business globally.

About the In-House Agency – Global Creative, Media and Performance Engine

The agency operates as a globally integrated creative, media and performance engine. It supports brand building, performance marketing and long-term growth across multiple markets. Moreover, the in-house model enables greater efficiency, speed and control. As a result, the organisation can align creative and media more closely with business objectives. In addition, the agency works with a network of external partners to extend capability where required.

How You Will Make an Impact as Managing Director

As Managing Director, you will define and evolve the global agency strategy and its positioning within the wider organisation. You will lead the development of a coherent, globally integrated operating model that balances scale and efficiency with strong local competitiveness. Your strategic focus will centre on growing the agency while protecting its speed, quality and entrepreneurial spirit.

In addition, you will raise the ambition for creative and media output across markets. At the same time, you will drive continuous improvement in briefing, planning, resource allocation and delivery processes to ensure consistency and excellence at scale.

Building a High-Performance In-House Agency Operating Model

You will create clarity across governance, roles, decision rights and ways of working. In doing so, you will deepen the integration of creative development, production, media strategy and buying, data, technology and performance measurement into one seamless delivery engine. Success in this role will be reflected in improved marketing efficiency, revenue growth and the long-term financial sustainability of the in-house agency. You will bring together creative excellence and commercial rigour to maximise business impact across markets.

Culture, Talent and Leadership in a Global In-House Agency

You will act as a culture builder, making the agency a magnet for top-tier agency talent, even within a corporate governance structure. You will cultivate a high-performance culture rooted in collaboration, trust, learning and accountability.

Commercial, P&L and Transformation Leadership Requirements

To succeed, you will bring proven senior leadership experience within creative, media, in-house or external agencies, ideally with a global, multi-market remit. You will possess a deep, end-to-end understanding of brand building, creative development, media strategy and marketing effectiveness. Importantly, you will demonstrate a strong commitment to the true integration of creative and media.

You will have experience leading complex, multi-market organisations and operating models and be ready to act as an architect of AI-enabled transformation. Sharp commercial instincts, P&L-style ownership and experience managing large budgets are essential. Above all, you are a leader who can inspire and structure: setting direction, influencing at executive level, stretching ambition and ensuring operational excellence while building strong relationships and shaping culture.

Location and Hybrid Working Model – London or Denmark

The role is based in London or Denmark, operating on a hybrid working model. If you have the relevant experience and this opportunity sounds interesting to you, please get in touch with our team, including a copy of your CV as soon as possible via the form below.

Hanson Search is a globally recognised, award-winning talent advisory and headhunting consultancy. Our expertise lies in building successful ventures worldwide through our recruitment, interim and executive search in communications, sustainability, public affairs and policy, digital marketing and sales and commercial.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all.  You can access our Diversity and Inclusion Policy here.