A pair of appointments
Colmar Brunton has announced two new appointments this week, with Sarah Bolger taking on head of Colmar Brunton and Grant Bell stepping in as group account director.
Bolger, former chief client officer, has more than 20 years’ experience in the market research industry, and has spent more than a decade of that time with Colmar Brunton.
She joined as a graduate and returned in 2013 after 12 years in London.
Jason Shoebridge, chief executive of Kantar New Zealand – Colmar Brunton’s parent company, has been acting in the role since his appointment in February 2016, and is delighted Bolger has accepted the position.
“Sarah is the perfect person to lead this growth given her passion for Colmar Brunton and the skills she brings to the role,” he says.
Meanwhile, Bell has joined Colmar Brunton from Sydney, where he worked with his own research consultancy.
Clients included Vodafone, TAL, Lion, Coca-Cola, News Corp Australia, Qantas and General Motors Holden.
Bell has developed expertise in machine learning, an approach where self-learning statistical algorithms delve into vast quantities of data to uncover predictive patterns of behaviour.
“The operational environment for most organisations has never been more complex, open to disruption and burdened with data,” says Bell.
“I have a strong interest in supporting decision makers as they navigate this context by exploring the stories that data can tell us and bringing new insights to life.”
Bell is based in Colmar Brunton’s Wellington office.
A strategic appointment
Culture & Theory has a new team member in Carol Soundy, who joins as general manager.
Soundy, brings more than 12 years’ experience in brand and design agencies including Designworks, Richards Partners and DNA, as well as having a background in marketing communications, advertising, public relations and media liaising.
She joins the agency as it scales up to accommodate a growing list of clients including Westpac, New Zealand Cricket, Methven, No Ugly, Qrious, Snappy and Jacob Douwe Egberts.
Culture & Theory’s strategy director, Jonte Goldwater, says that Soundy has the skills and attitude to take the agency through its next growth phase.
“I’m really pleased to welcome Carol to our leadership team. With her extensive experience in both client and agency environments, Carol is well placed to take over the steering wheel from Nick and I so we can focus on our roles within the business,” says Goldwater.
As Culture & Theory’s general manager, Soundy will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the agency and developing a culture to support the future health of the business. She is keen to stay close to client work, so will also operate as a senior strategist on key accounts.
Taking the lead
Carin Hercock has been appointed as managing director for Ipsos New Zealand.
Hercock brings nearly 30 years’ experience in the research and marketing industry to her new role, most recently at Nielsen New Zealand, where she spent more than four years as executive director of customer insights.
Prior to Nielsen, Hercock worked at APN News Zealand (now NZME) and major FMCG manufacturers (see bio below).
In the new role, Hercock will lead Ipsos’ Wellington and Auckland offices, driving strategy, managing senior-level client relationships, and building the Ipsos brand in New Zealand. She reports to Ipsos Australia and New Zealand chief executive Simon Wake.
Wake says Hercock is the ideal leader for the New Zealand team, “with a stellar track record on both the client and agency side of our industry”.
Video star
Fish&Clips has added another string to its bow with Blaine Stevenson joining the crew as head of music videos.
Stevenson brings with him production and management experience from across both sides of the ditch. He most recently worked with The Social Cub as a business development executive.
He is now excited for his new role and to be working with New Zealand and international artists.
“Music videos are an important component in reaching TV and online audiences; they add another layer to how music is experienced and take you on a heightened sensory journey” he says.
