Rapidly expanding AI First Leeds agency strengthens leadership team with senior SEO hire as growth plans gather pace
Leeds-based marketing agency 21 Degrees Digital has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of experienced search specialist Sarah Leeds as Head of SEO, as the business continues to scale following a year of rapid growth and ambitious expansion plans for 2026.
The appointment follows the agency’s recent announcement that it had surpassed £1m turnover and is targeting 40 per cent growth next year, driven by demand for its joined-up approach to brand and performance marketing.
Leeds-based Leeds joins the agency with more than fourteen years’ experience in search, having previously held senior roles at agencies including Search Laboratory, Semetrical, Intermarketing Agency and Brass, as well as in-house positions covering global brands and high-growth businesses.
Her appointment marks a strategic investment in SEO as part of 21 Degrees Digital’s Outcome Marketing model, which brings together brand, SEO, paid media, PR and web to deliver measurable commercial results rather than siloed marketing activity.
Sarah Leeds said: “It’s a really exciting time to return to agency SEO, and I can’t think of a better place to do it. What stood out about 21 Degrees is how seriously they take joined-up marketing. SEO now connects brand and performance more than ever, especially as search becomes increasingly AI-driven.”
Sarah, who studied Marketing and PR at the University of Huddersfield, says her approach focuses on commercial impact rather than vanity metrics.
“For me, SEO is about driving revenue, not just rankings. That means prioritising the pages and journeys where customers are actually ready to buy, and making sure brands are visible and trusted as search engines become answer engines. If you stay focused on the customer and deliver genuinely helpful experiences, you’re already halfway there.”
Her remit at 21 Degrees Digital will include leading SEO strategy across the agency’s growing client portfolio and expanding the SEO function as demand continues to rise.
Rory Mason, CEO of 21 Degrees Digital, said the appointment reflects the agency’s commitment to investing in senior talent as it scales.
“We’ve always said growth only works if you bring the right people with you. Sarah’s experience, commercial mindset and collaborative approach make her a perfect fit for where we’re heading. As businesses navigate AI-driven changes in how customers discover brands, having senior search expertise in place is critical.”
Rory added: “2026 is about building momentum across the North and beyond, and appointments like this show we’re serious about delivering on the promises we’ve made to clients. We’re practising what we preach - investing in the best people so our clients see real outcomes.”
Further senior hires are planned across paid media and performance in early 2026 as the agency continues its expansion across Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle.