Ten years after launching its unique 100-percent virtual agency concept, Approach Marketing is adding five senior leaders to its executive team, joining firm founder and president, Megan Shroy. The nationally-recognized consumer and business-to-business public relations and marketing agency grew 34 percent in 2019 and is also broadening its digital and social media practice.
“Our nimble remote model was born out of the Great Recession and a desire to provide a more efficient client service solution,” says Shroy. “Our steady growth over the past 10 years has served as an incredible proof of concept that many industries are now experiencing themselves as they shift to a virtual operation. I didn’t expect this business milestone to coincide with a similar economic climate as the one during which Approach started. That said, I am bolstered by the fact that I have in place a strong leadership team to support Approach as we navigate this complicated landscape for our clients – and ourselves.”
Shroy thoughtfully built out the Approach leadership team to fit the agency’s growing needs, driven primarily by an unwavering belief that clients come first. “Our agency model has always been about providing a service formula that delivers the highest return for our clients. Establishing our leadership team has been a thoughtful and deliberate process” says Shroy. “Like most, our industry has been deeply affected by this current global crisis, but I am inspired by how this team has rolled up their sleeves to not only support Approach Marketing, but our clients and team of account directors during this time.”
The Leadership team includes a mix of internal promotions and new hires:
- Sarah Ann Harris has been named to Managing Director after serving as Approach Marketing’s Head of Accounts since January 2018. In this newly created role, Sarah Ann will oversee all agency operations – from agency strategy to marketing to finance – helping ensure every aspect of the agency is on track aligned to the company’s core values while also achieving client service and growth goals. Prior to Approach, Sarah Ann served as a vice president at Golin, Edelman and senior vice president of client strategy at Influence Central.
- Meggan Needham has been promoted to Head of Accounts. Meggan joined Approach in 2019, and her background in strategically managing accounts for top CPG, food and beverage brands positions her well for the role. Meggan’s passion lies in client strategy and counsel, as well as mentoring team members on exceptional client service and campaign execution. She has held senior VP-level positions with Weber Shandwick, Edelman and Purple Door Communications.
- Faith Borland was promoted into the newly-created position of Head of Digital to run and expand all aspects of Approach’s digital and social media service offerings. Faith brings decades of experience in traditional PR and digital media and will oversee the agency’s team of digital strategists. She also will counsel clients on digital and social strategies. Faith previously served as a vice president with Edelman and Purple Door Communications. She also spent time at MWW Group and Porter Novelli.
- Alyssa DeRose is Approach Marketing’s Head of Growth, overseeing the agency’s business development team. She has a keen ability to build relationships and identify customized solutions for businesses that can be met with PR and marketing solutions. Alyssa will lead Approach’s team of client strategists and will be responsible for spearheading the agency’s continued growth
- Liz Woerth is transitioning to Head of Talent, devoting her time to building and coaching Approach Marketing’s consultants. As the agency’s first hire nearly a decade ago, Liz is rooted in the firm’s culture and values. She will focus on recruiting and retaining Approach’s senior-level talent and staffing to best fit team strengths with client needs.
Coinciding with its 10th anniversary year, Approach Marketing has racked up multiple industry honors. In May, Approach was named to PRovoke’s 2020 Global Agency Rankings list, landing 11th on their Global Fast Movers and fifth-fastest mover in the United States. The agency also was recognized as a top-100 independent agency by O’Dwyer’s, demonstrating second-highest growth over the year prior.
“I admire Megan Shroy’s vision to keep clients and their outcomes first, which includes her future-focused vision for Approach to make bold moves in our industry. For years, Approach has guaranteed to meet our agreed-upon outcomes for clients, or we’ll continue working for free until we nail them,” said managing director Sarah Ann Harris. “I’m energized to build upon this agency’s growth by supporting strategic hires, expanding our service offerings and reinforcing our commitment to give each client our very best.”