Integrated agency DARKHORSE is celebrating a growing client portfolio by launching into the Australian market with a new Sydney-based office.
In the past six months DARKHORSE has added Synlait Swappa Bottle, bp New Zealand, Stoneleigh, Brancott Estate and iconic luxury label, Burberry to its client list.
“It’s exciting to add some incredible brands into our portfolio. We are finding more and more that clients are looking for an integrated agency that has the ability to offer a diverse range of services under one roof. This has set us apart and is proving to be a great model moving forward for DARKHORSE,” says Managing Director, Mike Hewitt.
Most recently DARKHORSE supported Synlait with the launch of its first consumer product, Synlait Swappa Bottle, a 1.5 litre stainless steel refillable milk bottle challenging the way Kiwis use plastic.
“Synlait has bold plans for 2022 and we were looking for a partner who could assist in our growth. We believe DARKHORSE are the perfect people to do just that and we are excited about beginning this journey with them, they’ve been instrumental in bringing the Swappa Bottle brand to life across multiple channels,” says Hamish Reid, Director, Sustainability and Brand at Synlait New Zealand.
DARKHORSE Senior Account Director, Frankie Gair will be relocating from Auckland to Sydney in the new year to spearhead the Australian activity.
The business has already won a range of Australian clients including brands within the Pernod Ricard portfolio which include the Brancott Estate and Stoneleigh Wines global social retainers, alongside being awarded lead-creative agency for Malfy Gin across ANZ.
“Breaking into Australia has been a project we’ve worked on for the last few years and when the opportunity arose to expand our footprint into Australia, we knew sending an experienced team member would help us deliver the DARKHORSE approach in that market,” says Hewitt.
DARKHORSE has also strengthened its offering across strategy and communications with several newcomers. Most recently, Account Director Libby Angus who moved agency-side after working at Farmers.
The strategy and communications arm of the agency has also been fortified with internal promotions of Nicole Haysom to Senior Account Director in the PR team and Rachael Crosby to Strategy Director.
“Our key focus has always been our people, and how we can continue to serve up thought-provoking and strategic activity for all our clients,” says Executive Creative Director an Co-Founder, Liam Taylor.
