Lucy Hudson

Lucy Hudson is Managing Director at leading integrated marketing agency McCann Birmingham, where she sits on the board and leads a team of 250 across a range of specialisms, from advertising and marketing through to PR, social media, research, and strategy. With a leadership style influenced by personal experience, she fosters collaboration, creativity, innovation, as well as creating an environment where everyone thrives, and her strategic vision has been key in driving the business forward.

Before joining McCann Birmingham, Hudson was Managing Director at McCann Demand in London for two years where she played a pivotal role in growing the agency to record levels, increasing the agency’s offering by 36%. Consistently delivering outstanding results, driving revenue growth, and expanding the agency’s footprint, Hudson’s dedication and proven track record of delivering impact has been instrumental in the agency’s success.

Helping to shape Hudson’s leadership style is her own personal journey. After the tragic loss of her daughter at the age of just two, she channelled her grief into meaningful action. Recognising that communication and empathy are essential when supporting bereaved employees, she regularly speaks on grief in the workplace and collaborates with brands to create a safe space for others to share their experiences and find solace. Through her partnership work with bereavement charities, and even a speech at the Houses of Parliament, Lucy’s vulnerability and compassion inspires those around her, as well as helps to provide a supportive work environment.

Extending her commitment to fostering inclusivity and driving change, Hudson is a true visionary and has developed initiatives that champion women and address challenges women face at work. This includes co-founding the Margot Collective, an insight-led female consulting team that harnesses female talent to create effective work that speaks to real women. An inclusive initiative designed to represent all women and ensure their voices are heard and valued, the Margot Collective works with talented and insightful women across six McCann UK offices to support existing briefs, drive new business opportunities and provide new insight, research, and provocations to produce meaningful work that is rooted in DE&I. This has not only been a driving force in championing inclusive practices within the workplace but has also been instrumental in raising the agency’s profile externally and winning best practice awards, which include scooping a prestigious Women of the Future Award.

Hudson’s personal journey and ongoing commitment to DE&I has also influenced her approach to mentorship. Understanding the complexities of life and work, she provides unwavering support for her team. Drawing from her own experiences, successes, and failures, she empowers colleagues to help them navigate challenges so they can reach their full potential.

In summary, Hudson’s story is one of resilience, empathy, and sheer determination. Her strategic leadership style and drive to create an inclusive and high-performing environment make her an invaluable asset to McCann Birmingham’s continued success.