DDB Aotearoa has appointed a double act to lead its planning department, with Charlotte Marks promoted to Joint Head of Planning alongside Laura Davies, a newcomer to the DDB whānau.
Previously Strategy Director at DDB Aotearoa, Marks joined the team two years ago.
DDB Aotearoa Chief Strategy Officer, Rupert Price says Marks is an asset to the agency and has earned her reputation as a ‘Weapons Grade Planner’.
“Charlotte has proven herself to be an incredible strategic mind and her promotion is well deserved. I’m looking forward to working with Charlotte in running the Planning team and ensuring our strategic product continues to go from strength to strength.”
In addition to elevating Marks to the senior leadership group within DDB Aotearoa, the agency has also welcomed Davies, who has recently returned from maternity leave, into the shared role.
Previously Strategy Director at Saatchi & Saatchi, Davies brings over a decade of experience working across telecommunications, government, FMCG and retail in both New Zealand and abroad.
Both experienced strategists, Marks and Davies say they are excited to be working together to help take DDB’s planning team to new heights.
“DDB has a special knack for developing both longstanding, emotive brand campaigns and timely, innovative creative solutions. The planning team play an important role in the process, identifying powerful insights that go on to strike a chord with New Zealanders and produce a positive outcome for our clients.
“I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Laura and Rupe to strengthen and grow DDB’s planning team,” says Davies.
Davies adds: “Rupert and Charlotte are both brilliant strategic minds but also genuinely wonderful people. When Rupert reached out, I was only weeks away from having my daughter and while many agencies would have ended discussions there, Rupert and the team at DDB didn’t even blink.
“They have waited patiently for me to finish my maternity leave and their flexi policies have made it so easy for me to step into this role as a new mum – it’s wonderful to finally be here.”
Price says the shared role reflects DDB Aotearoa’s significant investment in strategy and he’s thrilled to have the duo’s expertise on the team.
“Charlotte and Laura are already proving themselves to be a formidable double act and I’m excited to see what we do together as we continue to build New Zealand’s biggest and best agency strategy team.”
