Independent creative agency, Hardhat, has announced recruited former whiteGrey chief, Magdalina Triantafyllidis, as its new Managing Director, marking a significant step in the agency's growth strategy.

Triantafyllidis, a seasoned professional in the industry, boasts of extensive experience including a nearly seven-year tenure as Managing Director at WPP’s bespoke Ford agency, GTB, and roles at Cummins&Partners, ClemengerBBDO, DraftFCB, CHEP and JWT. Most recently, she was managing director at whiteGrey.

The appointment comes at a time when Hardhat is poised for a new phase of expansion, said Dan Monheit, CEO of Hardhat.

"We’ve made big progress in the past 18 months, winning a range of new clients, adding senior staff and working on our new and unique positioning around behaviour change for challenger brands, which will launch officially in the coming weeks. The timing is perfect to create a new Managing Director role to take the business forward," he said.

Monheit expressed his excitement about Triantafyllidis joining the team. "We’re absolutely thrilled to have Magda bring her vast and proven experience as a client and agency leader to help steer our next phase of growth."

Triantafyllidis herself is equally enthusiastic about the new role.

"I am thrilled and energised to be stepping into the vibrant atmosphere of Hardhat and collaborating with the exceptional team, including Dan, Executive Creative Experience Director Reece Ryan, and our Leadership Team, as we propel this business to new heights," she said.

Reece Ryan, Executive Creative Experience Director, also praised Triantafyllidis' appointment. "Magda’s reputation as an empathetic agency leader and growth accelerator is second to none. Her sharp agency acumen and balanced perspective on the role of CX in modern marketing is a welcome addition to the leadership team. She will add much to the enormous momentum we have in the agency."

The creation of the new Managing Director role follows the decision of long-time Hardhat leader and General Manager, Issy Bonin, to extend her stay with her family in Canada. Hardhat was founded in 2005.