Managing Director
The agency compass—managing directors steer business growth, lead teams, and maintain the vision that powers the brand.
What is a Managing Director?
The agency’s compass and captain. Managing directors oversee growth, culture, and high-level operations—keeping everything aligned with vision and values.
What does a Managing Director do?
They lead teams, drive business strategy, manage top-tier clients, and set the tone for where the agency’s heading next. It’s leadership, not management.
What does this role look like in a creative agency?
At RIOT, the MD is part strategist, part motivator, part operator. They turn ambition into action—guiding the agency through evolution without losing its creative soul.
Dive Deeper
Managing Directors are the agency compass—setting the vision, steering growth, leading teams, and protecting the integrity of the brand. They oversee everything from business development and financial health to client relationships and creative culture. In creative agencies, the Managing Director ensures that day-to-day operations align with long-term strategy—keeping the agency innovative, profitable, and culturally strong.
Related Glossary Terms
| Related Glossary Terms | Why It’s Relevant |
|---|---|
| Campaign Strategy | Managing Directors ensure that the agency’s strategic output consistently meets business goals and elevates client brands. |
| Thought Leadership Content | They often represent the agency externally—through speaking, publishing, and thought leadership that builds brand authority. |
| Stakeholder Communication | Managing Directors ensure clear, strategic communication between leadership, clients, teams, and external partners. |
| KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) | They define and track success metrics at both the client account level and agency-wide level. |
| Brand Strategy | Managing Directors play a critical role in guiding the agency’s own brand positioning and external market reputation. |
Related Job Roles
| Related Job Roles | Why It’s Connected |
|---|---|
| Chief Creative Officer (CCO) | Partners with the Managing Director to align creative excellence with broader business and growth goals. |
| Strategy Director | Works closely with the Managing Director to ensure strategic vision is translated into agency services and client work. |
| Client Services Director | Manages client relationships and account health under the leadership of the Managing Director. |
| Business Development Manager | Focuses on bringing in new opportunities, guided by the agency vision and business priorities set by the Managing Director. |
