Carat Appointed New Global Strategy Chief
The agency has tapped Sarah Stringer to oversee its global strategy and innovation efforts.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in People
Media agency Carat has appointed Sarah Stringer as its new Global Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer. Stringer returns to the agency following a six-year tenure at dentsu Media.
Why it matters
The hire signals a shift in leadership for the agency as it looks to leverage internal expertise to drive its global strategy. Stringer's return consolidates previous experience across the firm's international and U.S. divisions.
Stringer brings over six years of recent experience at dentsu Media to her new global role. Her previous tenure at Carat spans multiple leadership positions held across Australia and the United States.
The players
Carat
A global media agency that specializes in media planning, buying, and advertising strategy.
Sarah Stringer
An experienced media strategy executive who previously held leadership roles at Carat Australia and Carat USA.
dentsu Media
A global marketing and communications company that operates as the parent or partner organization to Carat.
The details
Stringer announced her appointment to the global post via LinkedIn, marking a return to a firm where she previously led innovation teams. Her background includes serving as SVP, Head of Innovation for Carat USA and as Head of Innovation for the agency's Australian division. This move places her in charge of overarching innovation strategy for the agency's global operations.
Timeline
2013-2015: Stringer served as Head of Innovation at Carat Australia.
2017-2020: Stringer served as SVP, Head of Innovation at Carat USA.
- 2026-09-22
The appointment of Sarah Stringer was announced.
Market Landscape
The appointment follows the industry-wide pattern of agencies recruiting former leaders to integrate institutional knowledge into new global roles. This move aligns with the documented trend of boomerang hiring, where firms prioritize known talent to lead innovation cycles.
Operators should monitor whether this leadership change alters the agency's approach to innovation and client service. Keep an eye on incoming strategic shifts that may affect your own media buying and agency partnership terms.
The takeaway
The move underscores the value agencies place on seasoned, internal-facing leadership when navigating global innovation. Monitor subsequent public statements or client-facing updates from the agency for early signs of the new strategy.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership changes, visit the People section.
