LONDON--Hudson Sandler has named former Text 100 MD Kirsty Leighton as its new managing director.

Leighton reports to Hudson Sandler CEO Andrew Hayes, and is charged with helping to expand the firm's offer beyond financial communications. 

Leighton brings considerable technology experience to the Huntsworth-owned firm, amassed during stints at Weber Shandwick, Edelman and, more recently, Waggener-Edstrom, where she rose to the role of global head of client development.

In 2010, Leighton departed Wag-Ed for a short-lived stay as MD of Text 100. She later resurfaced in a part-time role as EVP at BondPR.

"Her extensive experience of business communications, especially building reputation enhancing campaigns across traditional and digital media will be of enormous help as we continue to expand our offer beyond financial communications,” said Hayes in a statement.

"We've intentionally sought a leader with broad global credentials and a proven ability to diversify the mandate of a UK agency."