Simply Social Bolsters Leadership with Maud O’Callaghan in London, Dublin 2026

Key Points

• Simply Social, a social-first digital agency with offices in London and Dublin, has appointed Maud O’Callaghan as joint managing director to bolster its leadership across both locations.
• This move reinforces the agency’s senior team amid ongoing expansion in the UK and Ireland markets.
• O’Callaghan brings extensive experience in digital strategy and client management.
• The appointment follows previous leadership enhancements, including Alex Attfield’s role as UK managing director in 2025.
• Simply Social manages key services: social media, content creation, influencer management, and paid media for clients like Tesco, Just Eat, M&S, and Peroni.
• Agency founder Peter Shannon highlighted excitement over growth and new talent in prior interviews.
• Additional senior figures include Barry O’Donovan, strategy and new business director.

London/Dublin (The Londoner News) April 28, 2026 – Simply Social has strengthened its leadership team across its London and Dublin offices with the appointment of Maud O’Callaghan as joint managing director, as the agency continues to scale operations in the competitive social media landscape.

Who is Maud O’Callaghan and What is Her New Role?

Maud O’Callaghan joins as joint managing director, a position that underscores Simply Social’s commitment to dual-market growth. According to the report by LBBOnline staff, O’Callaghan will work alongside existing leadership to drive strategic expansion. Her responsibilities include overseeing client delivery, team development, and innovation in social-first campaigns across both cities.

As reported by LBBOnline, Simply Social stated: “Maud O’Callaghan as joint managing director.” This role positions her to collaborate closely with UK and Irish teams, ensuring cohesive operations. O’Callaghan’s appointment builds on the agency’s recent hires, enhancing its capability to serve major brands.

Why is Simply Social Expanding Its Leadership Now?

The agency is scaling amid rising demand for social media services in the UK and Ireland. LBBOnline coverage notes that this follows investments in talent and infrastructure to meet client needs. Founder Peter Shannon, in an earlier LBBOnline interview, expressed enthusiasm for growth, stating:

“We’re incredibly excited about our upcoming work with Currys, who we’re working with to push creative and performance in exciting new ways. Separately, we are thrilled to welcome Alex Attfield to our London office as our new managing director.”

Simply Social’s expansion aligns with its social-first model, managing social media, content, influencers, and paid media. As per LinkedIn company profiles, the agency operates from London (NW15PW) and Dublin (D08 AP63), serving a broad client base.

This leadership reinforcement comes after Alex Attfield’s appointment as UK managing director in August 2025, where he was tasked with growing the London team and handling clients like Tesco, Just Eat, M&S, and Peroni, according to LBBOnline reporter.

What Previous Leadership Changes Preceded This?

Prior to O’Callaghan’s hire, Simply Social appointed Alex Attfield as managing director for the UK market. LBBOnline reported:

“Independent social agency Simply Social has appointed Alex Attfield as UK managing director, reinforcing its senior leadership team as it continues to scale in the UK market.”

Based in London, Attfield oversees UK business growth, including Simply Studios’ content arm, and joined at the start of August 2025 after roles at Social Element.

TheOrg.com confirms Attfield’s position since August 2025, noting his prior experience as Managing Director for Europe at Social Element. Peter Shannon, founder, previewed this in LBBOnline’s “Getting To Know… Simply Social,” saying:

“He will start in the next few weeks and oversee the growth and delivery of Simply Social’s UK business.”

These steps indicate a pattern of strategic hires.

Barry O’Donovan serves as strategy and new business director, focusing on growth across Dublin and London, per his LinkedIn profile. He describes himself as

“Currently focused on driving strategic growth for clients and new business at Simply Social across Dublin and London.”

How Does Simply Social Operate Across London and Dublin?

Simply Social functions as a social-first digital agency with dual hubs. LinkedIn details:

“LONDON / DUBLIN 📍 Social first thinking 💭 | Simply Social is a social-first digital agency. We work with a broad range of clients managing four key digital marketing fields: social media management, content creation, influencer management, and paid media management.” 

This structure supports seamless cross-market delivery.

In London, Attfield leads UK efforts, while Dublin anchors Irish operations. LBBOnline notes the agency’s investment in both to meet demand. Current openings, as posted on LinkedIn UK, include Account Director (London), Account Manager (London), Senior Account Manager (Dublin), and Food Stylist, signalling active hiring.

What Clients Does Simply Social Serve?

Key clients include Tesco, Just Eat, M&S, and Peroni, primarily under UK leadership. LBBOnline’s coverage of Attfield’s appointment specifies: “He will be growing the local team and working closely with clients including Tesco, Just Eat, M&S, and Peroni.” Upcoming projects feature Currys, as Shannon told LBBOnline:

“We’re incredibly excited about our upcoming work with Currys.”

The agency’s portfolio spans retail, food delivery, and beverages, leveraging social expertise. Simply Social’s LinkedIn emphasises broad client work in its core fields.

What is Simply Social’s Growth Strategy?

Growth focuses on talent acquisition and service expansion. LBBOnline reports ongoing scaling across markets post-Attfield’s hire. O’Callaghan’s joint role extends this to Dublin-London synergy.

Shannon’s LBBOnline interview highlights innovation: “Watch this space.” With 11-50 employees per TheOrg, the agency prioritises infrastructure. LinkedIn shows active recruitment, supporting ambitions.

Who Are the Key Figures in Leadership?

• Maud O’Callaghan: New joint managing director.
• Alex Attfield: UK managing director since August 2025, ex-Social Element.
• Peter Shannon: Founder and CEO of Simply Social / Simply Studios.
• Barry O’Donovan: Strategy & New Business Director, Account Manager background.

These leaders drive the agency’s direction. LBBOnline consistently credits them in expansion stories.

What Challenges Might Arise from These Changes?

While not directly stated, rapid hires suggest competitive pressures in digital marketing. LBBOnline implies demand-driven moves, but integration across cities could test cohesion. Attfield’s role addressed UK scaling, now complemented by O’Callaghan.

No sources report issues; focus remains positive. Agency profiles stress strategic growth.

How Does This Fit Industry Trends?

Social agencies are bolstering teams amid digital ad spend growth. Simply Social’s hires mirror this, per LBBOnline patterns. Emphasis on content (Simply Studios) and paid media aligns with market shifts.

Shannon’s Currys project signals performance-driven creativity. With offices in prime locations, the agency positions for pan-European reach.

Impact on Clients and Team

Clients gain from enhanced leadership stability. LBBOnline notes Attfield’s client oversight. Teams benefit from O’Callaghan’s expertise, fostering Dublin-London ties.

Open roles indicate optimism. Shannon’s excitement sets a proactive tone.