SYDNEY – Australian independent media agency Paykel Media has named Sarah Keith as Managing Director, effective immediately.

The former Publicis Media Exchange MD is responsible for the agency’s operations in Sydney and Melbourne, after founder Tony Paykel stepped down from the position in March following the acquisition of the business in 2019 by Active International.

Keith will report to Group Managing Director, Cameron Swan, and work closely with Paykel Media Chief Operating Officer, Caroline Doran.

Keith left Publicis in July as part of a wider leadership shuffle by Publicis Groupe boss Michael Rebelo. She has previously held held senior positions at Network 10, Fairfax Media, Fox Sports, SBS, Austereo and Channel 4 in the UK.

Keith will lead a team of 21 across key clients including Mitsubishi Electric, skincare and beauty brand Natio and homeware retailer Décor.