Credit: Sasha Smith
Howatson+Company chief media officer Sasha Smith has announced she is leaving the independent agency after more than five years.
Smith shared the news in a LinkedIn post, describing her time at the agency as a huge chapter.
"I'm incredibly proud to have been a part of the exceptional H+Co team," she wrote.
"The opportunity to lead a foundational team was a one-of-a-kind privilege and one I'm grateful to Chris Howatson and Renee Hyde for entrusting me with."
Smith thanked the agency's clients for their partnerships and said she would be cheering the team on from her new home in New Zealand.
Smith joined Howatson+Company in 2021 as head of media before being promoted to chief media officer in May 2023.
She played a key role in building the agency's media offering during a period of significant growth, helping secure media accounts including UNICEF Australia, UNSW and Petbarn, as Howatson+Company was recognised as AdNews Agency of the Year and Employer of the Year in 2024.
Howatson+Co founder and CEO Chris Howatson said he was grateful for everything Smith had contributed to the company.
"Sasha is an exceptional human, leader and media expert. Her curiosity, rigour and generosity have made her a successful and respected figure in our industry. I’m personally very grateful to Sash," Howatson said.
"She has been a key part of H+Co from the very early days, and central to not only our media product but leadership of the wider agency. Moving to NZ is a very exciting opportunity for her and her family. And there will always been a home for her here at H+CO."
James Turner, who joined the agency six months before Smith went on parental leave, will continue to lead the media offering as general manager, media.
Smith's next role has not yet been announced.
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