Why Two Managing Directors Are Better Than One

When people hear that Orchard has two Managing Directors, the first question they have is often: “Doesn’t that make things complicated?” My answer is simple: absolutely not. In fact, having two MDs is one of the smartest decisions we’ve made for our agency and, more importantly, for our clients. 

Shared Leadership, Sharpened Focus 

Leadership in 2025 isn’t about a single heroic figure at the top dictating the way of things. It’s about collaboration, diversity of thought and resilience. As highlighted in Raconteur’s piece on co-CEOs, joint leadership can create a more balanced approach to growth and succession. Two heads really can be better than one - provided they bring complementary skills and a shared vision. 

At Orchard, Chris Chilton and I have distinct areas of focus that allow us to play to our strengths. I lead on strategy and agency growth, ensuring our clients benefit from forward-thinking campaigns and creative innovation. Chris oversees finance and operations, making sure the agency runs like a well-oiled machine and that every project is delivered efficiently, profitably and with maximum impact for our clients. This division means we can give equal weight to creativity and commerciality - two pillars that underpin success for us. 

How Does This Deliver for Orchard Clients?

• Depth of Expertise - running the agency: Chris brings rigorous financial acumen and operational discipline, while I focus on strategic direction and story making for the brands we work for. I drive things forward with ambition and energy, while he is pacing us carefully and making sure we can deliver on our promises. 

• Depth of Expertise – for strategic counsel: Together, we cover the full spectrum of what a communications agency needs to deliver and we are both ‘at the coalface’ for our top tier clients that need and invest in strategic counsel.  We often take different approaches to the same challenge; so you’re not just getting one valuable perspective - you’re getting two.  

• Agility and Resilience: In a fast-moving industry decisions need to be made quickly but thoughtfully. With two MDs, we can divide and conquer without compromising quality. If a client needs urgent budget adjustments while also planning a bold new campaign, we can handle both simultaneously. We do also take the occasional holiday – not together! 

• Continuity and Succession: Businesses evolve, and leadership models must evolve too. Having two MDs ensures continuity and reduces risk. This is triply so at Orchard, where our clients also benefit from the skills and experience of Head of Client Services Dan Gallienne, the third piece of our leadership team triumvirate. Clients can trust that Orchard’s leadership credentials are extensive, stable, collaborative and future-ready. 

Complementary Strengths  

Chris and I have worked together for 17 years, and our partnership is built on trust and respect. He’s meticulous, analytical and brilliant at finding solutions that that keep projects moving forward and budgets under control. I thrive on big-picture thinking - developing strategies that help clients grow, innovate and stand out. 

This balance means clients get the best of both worlds: bold ideas grounded in commercial reality.  

Leading with Shared Values 

Of course, joint leadership only works when there’s alignment on values and vision. At Orchard, we’re united by a commitment to integrity, creativity and client success.  

Co-leadership forces you to put the business first, not your ego. That’s something Chris and I embrace wholeheartedly. Our decisions aren’t about who’s right, or who is better - they’re about what’s right for the client and the agency. 

The Bottom Line 

Two MDs aren’t a luxury; they’re a strategic advantage. In a world where complexity is the norm, shared leadership gives us the capacity, perspective and resilience to deliver exceptional results for our clients. 

So, next time you wonder whether two heads are better than one, remember this: at Orchard, it’s not just better - it’s our secret weapon.