Bristol-based independent public relations and communications agency AMBITIOUS has appointed experienced PR professional Sarah Woodhouse as director following a period of significant growth.
Sarah, pictured, who also becomes a joint partner in the business, has two decades of industry experience and a strong track record in managing and growing successful PR agencies. 
She previously co-owned a network of three offices in China before selling the business to Cohn & Wolfe – part of global giant WPP – in 2011.
Sarah has worked with numerous international brands across the consumer, trade and corporate spectrum, both at her own agency and at industry giants including Edelman and McCann Erickson.
Her experience spans a wide range of sectors from luxury goods, hospitality and tourism, property and professional services to design, art, culture and the creative sector.
AMBITIOUS, which was founded in 2013 by Bristol PR stalwarts Lis Anderson and Mel Beeby Clarke, has recently secured a series of client wins including estate agents Bristol Property Centre, NHS Blood & Transplant and Dursley-based innovative marine engineering firm Reygar.
The agency has particular expertise in the burgeoning grey market, securing Guinness Care and The Abbeyfield Bristol and Keynsham Society as clients.
AMBITIOUS’ client portfolio also includes the Department for International Trade (DIT) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
Lis Anderson said: “Sarah’s appointment will help us build on the momentum we’ve achieved over the past 12 months. She brings a wealth of experience with her, both in terms of the clients and sectors she’s worked in and her ability to build and run a successful agency.
“Sarah shares our passion for the work we do and the clients we work with so it felt like a natural step for her to join the business and together realise our growth plans.”
Sarah added: “AMBITIOUS fills a much-needed gap in the market for senior, effective, no-nonsense, hands-on counsel. Agile, nimble and collaborative, AMBITIOUS is a challenger to the traditional PR agency model.”
Working alongside fellow directors Lis and Mel and the rest of the team, Sarah will oversee a portfolio of clients as well as taking an active role in new business and agency development.
She will also continue to take a key role in the organisation of global conference Social Media Week Bristol (#SMWiBristol). The inaugural #SMWiBristol – the first in the UK outside London – was held last November.
Hosted by Bristol Media and sponsored by Samsung and Bristol energy group OVO , #SMWiBristol was attended by more than 1,500 people at 40 events across the city with talks by senior industry leaders including Facebook, Twitter and Buzzfeed.
The date of the next #SMWiBristol is to be announced soon.
