Blanshard previously spent 15 years at C Space (formerly Communispace), including five years as UK managing director. She has been managing director, Emea, for the past three years, leading the formerly Omnicom-owned agency through its acquisition by Escalent Group in 2023.

During her time leading the agency in the UK, it was awarded Research Live Best Agency with a turnover above £20m at the 2018 MRS Awards.

In March, C Space announced the appointment of Zoë Carter as Emea managing director to succeed Blanshard.

As managing director of The Good Side, Blanshard will lead business operations and commercial strategy for the independent studio.

Founded in 2016 by Saul Parker and James Lewis, The Good Side offers cultural insight and strategy, working with clients in technology, media and entertainment, as well as foundations and civil society.

Alongside appointing Blanshard as its first managing director, The Good Side has made two additional senior hires within its leadership team, appointing Andrew Dodds as senior insight director and Katie Wise as insight director.

Dodds joins the company following senior roles at Kantar and most recently MTM, where he was director and head of qualitative research.

Wise was previously director of cultural strategy at Crowd DNA and has also worked in various insight roles at PwC.

The appointments follow a period of growth for The Good Side, which recently carried out research on the ‘manosphere’ for Movember, highlighting the online radicalisation of young men.

Saul Parker, The Good Side co-founder and chief executive, said: “Bringing Kathryn on board as our first managing director is a huge moment for us, not just symbolically, but practically.

“She has deep expertise in leading insight and innovation agencies through key moments of growth, and we’re excited to have her help us strengthen our operational foundations while staying true to our values. Katie and Andrew also bring world-class experience and energy to the studio – and together, they represent an exciting new era for The Good Side.”

James Lewis, The Good Side co-founder and head of studio, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Kathryn, Katie and Andrew to The Good Side. Each of them brings real depth, clarity and creative spark, and we’re already feeling the impact of their ideas and leadership. We can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together.”

Blanshard said: “This is a pivotal moment for The Good Side, and I’m thrilled to be joining at a time of such energy and momentum. When I met Saul [Parker] and James [Lewis], their mission and the high bar they set for craft and collaboration really inspired me. Now, more than ever organisations, need trusted partners who understand how to navigate complex cultural change to stay ahead. I’m excited to help shape that journey, building strong client partnerships and nurturing a culture where people and ideas thrive.”

Pictured: Saul Parker, James Lewis and Kathryn Blanshard