One Black Bear has promoted Kate Hartshorn to managing partner. The move will see Kate lead the agency alongside owners and founders, Richard Elwell and Jon Harrison.

Previously, Kate spent fifteen years with Big Communications – now known as Big Dog – as client services director and later, as managing partner working closely across a range of national and international brands. Having previously worked as associate planning director at One Black Bear for two years, Kate’s new role will now involve the broader remit of developing the agency from its current 25 strong team whilst retaining planning, insight and client liaison responsibilities.

Richard Elwell of One Black Bear said: “I can’t overstate how pleased we are to have Kate in this role – she’s the brightest planning brain for miles around and genuinely a brilliant agency personality. Kate brings vast experience and ability and is a champion of ‘the big thought’. Her insight, intuition and forensic detail across briefs will further bolster our offering to clients.’

Kate added: “I’m really happy to be taking on this senior role within One Black Bear. The agency is in a great position following our best year to date and I’m really looking forward to driving our progress further by fighting for work that is truly effective and also, by supporting our staff to become best in class.”