Carat's managing director Lauren Small has left to become senior director of media and operations at Optus' in-house agency.
After three years at the Dentsu media agency, Small's move to in-housing is the next phase of her career, she confirmed with AdNews.
"I have led the Carat NSW team for the past three years, through a challenging period for the industry. It has been a great experience leading such an excellent team, but I am excited to join Optus and begin the next phase of my career," Small said.
"I will miss my talented colleagues and fantastic clients, but I wish my Carat family the very best as they continue to grow and do amazing things."
Danny Bass, CEO of Dentsu Media ANZ, told AdNews Small has been a phenomenal leader in what has been a tremendously difficult few years for the broader industry.
"We are thrilled for her to be joining such a wonderful company like Optus, and wish her the very best of luck," Bass said.
"We will be announcing a new MD in the coming weeks."
Small's departure comes after significant leadership change at the agency group - with today's appointment of Ben Coulson who replaces Mandie van der Merwe and Avish Gordhan who left the agency last week for Saatchi & Saatchi Australia, after just a year as Dentsu Creative COO.
Dentsu Creative also appointed DDB's Katie Firth this week to lead its Victorian business as Melbourne managing director.
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