Dark Horses Appoints Its First Ceo, As Simon Dent Steps Down

London based sport creative agency Dark Horses has appointed Melissa Robertson as its CEO.

The move will see Robertson, one of the founders of advertising agency Now, become Dark Horses’ first CEO.

She will report to Andy Nairn, one of the founders of Lucky Generals and current Chairman of Dark Horses, whom she first worked with at the MCBD agency, where Robertson served as Managing Director. 

Meanwhile, Dark Horses Co-Founder Dent will step down as Managing Director, and will take a new non-executive role in the business from January 2021.

“I was looking for an exciting new challenge that capitalised on my experience but stretched me in different ways,” said Robertson. 

“Being reunited with Andy and co in a category that I love is exactly the kind of happy serendipity you can only dream about. Dark Horses is a brilliant young agency filled with sports experts with ambitious plans, and I can’t wait to help the team achieve them.”

During her career, Robertson has worked with brands including Waitrose, BT, and Ocado, and has helped launch a variety of startups.

According to Dark Horses, her brief will be to continue to grow the agency, alongside Creative Partner Steve Howell (who joined from Droga5 last year) and Strategy Director Matt Readman (who joined from Engine).

Nairn, said: “The agency has experienced stellar growth over the last 4 years, thanks in no small part to Simon. Now, the sports industry faces new challenges and opportunities and we’re delighted to have Melissa on board. We have known and loved working with her for many years and think she’s the perfect person to write the next chapter of our growth.” 

Dark Horses currently works with clients such as Nissan, Peloton and Vanarama, was shortlisted for Young Agency of the Year at Sport Industry Awards 2020, for the second year in a row.