As featured in Campaign
Independent media agency The Kite Factory has strengthened its leadership team as it continues its strong growth trajectory, following the departure of CEO James Smith, who is stepping down after 14 years at the agency.
Smith’s departure paves the way for a new management structure designed to ensure continuity and build on the agency’s recent momentum.
Kyle Seeley and Jonathan Leech have been appointed Co-Chief Executive Officers, having previously held the roles of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Commercial Officer, respectively. Together, their combined experience and complementary skills will lead The Kite Factory forward, ensuring the indie continues to deliver the service, creativity, and capability their clients value.
Ben Foster moves from Chief Digital Officer into Chief Operating Officer, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to operational excellence and driving the evolution of its product, data, and AI capabilities to strengthen its client offering.
Formerly Managing Partner (Business Strategy), Helen Radia has been appointed to Chief Business Strategy Officer, continuing to lead the strategic business thinking that underpins the shop’s approach and support clients in the delivery of their marketing objectives.
Dawn Smith, Chief Finance Officer, remains a key member of the board, continuing to oversee the agency’s financial, data governance and commercial growth.
The agency’s Managing Partners – Anthony Abou-Zeid, Rik Moore, and Caroline Dolan -remain in place and will continue to report into the new board, ensuring stability and ongoing leadership across client service, strategy, and investment.
The new leadership team represents a natural evolution for the business, with each leader bringing deep experience, a strong track record, and a shared commitment to The Kite Factory’s mission: unlocking the value of media through creative excellence to deliver measurable results for its clients.
Kyle Seeley, Co-CEO, said: “James has been an incredible colleague and friend over many years, and we all wish him the best in what he does next. The team here is outstanding and a real joy to work with every day, it’s an honour to lead them alongside Jonathan. I’m excited about the future of The Kite Factory as we continue delivering creative, effective work for our clients.”
Jonathan Leech, Co-CEO, added: “The Kite Factory has always stood for independence, integrity, transparency and imagination – values that will continue to guide us as we build on the strong foundation James helped create. I’m both proud and humbled to be appointed joint CEO alongside Kyle. With an exceptional team, fantastic partners and brilliant clients by our side, we’re focused on pushing boundaries, evolving our capabilities, and delivering work that makes a measurable and meaningful difference.”