Enigma appoints Kate Sheppard as Sydney managing director

Independent creative and media agency Enigma has named Kate Sheppard as managing director of its Sydney office, as it looks to strengthen its position in a competitive market.

Sheppard will work closely with CEO and founder Lisa Sutton Gardner, joining a leadership team that includes chief strategy officer Dom Hickey, chief creative officer Simon Lee and chief media officer Justin Ladmore.

The move is aimed at sharpening Enigma’s Sydney offering, with the agency continuing to operate across both creative and media through its broader national structure.

Sheppard brings more than 20 years’ experience across integrated agency environments, spanning business management, creative, strategy and media.

Most recently, she served as managing director at Connecting Plots, following a long tenure at DDB where she led major client relationships and worked closely with Hickey.

Sutton Gardner said the appointment reflects the agency’s focus on strengthening senior capability.

“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 said the role brings together her experience across network and independent agencies.

“In many ways, this is a role that I’ve been preparing for my whole career,” she said.

“Reuniting with Dom Hickey, someone I deeply respect and have a proven track record with, was a powerful draw.”

Her appointment comes as Enigma continues to build momentum, with recent new business including the Australian Pork media account.