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Movings/Shakings: 6 October

Two quills

FCB has announced two new staff, with senior writers Natalie Knight and Murray Watt joining the creative department at the agency. 

 

Knight joins FCB after an eight-year stint at DDB, during which she has picked up international awards for the likes of NZ Lotteries, Sky TV, Lion Breweries, Steinlager, McDonald’s and Volkswagen.

At FCB, Knight will be partnered with senior creative lead Kelly Lovelock. 

Other recruit, Watt, returns to FCB after four years working on brands such as Skinny and D-Max. He is the brains behind the iconic Mitre 10 sandpit ad and a raft of other much-loved Kiwi campaigns.
 
FCB New Zealand executive creative director Tony Clewett says: “We’re excited to have two such creative legends join, or in Muz’s case, re-join, our creative department. They both bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to the team. They are both a lot of fun and neither of them are wankers. We don’t like those round here.”

Growth continues

Kiwi video technology company 90 Seconds has appointed Nick O’Neill to the position of sales director. 

With over 10 years of experience across various sales roles, O’Neil has carved a niche for himself in the e-commerce space, most recently as the head of revenue at Buddy Bid.   

Prior to this, he was on the payroll at GrabOne, working his way up from the position of business development manager to sales director at GrabOne between 2010 and 2015.

The Kiwi company is currently in growth mode, opening offices in the United States, Europe and Asia earlier this year after raising $11 million in funds from investors. 

New ventures

Cathy O’Sullivan has resigned from her role as the Auckland editor-in-chief at Fairfax Media, bringing an end to her two-year stint.

This was her second tenure at the media company, having previously served as the news editor for Stuff between 2006 and 2010.

In addition to working at Fairfax, she also spent some time across the competitive divide, working first as deputy editor (between 2010 and 2013) and then as an editor (between January 2013 and August 2014) at the NZ Herald website.    

StopPress is awaiting confirmation as to whether or not Fairfax Media has appointed a replacement for O’Sullivan.    

Talent hunter

Talent agency Johnson & Laird Management has announced the appointment of Mareena King as talent agent and booker in the drama division. 

King will be working alongside J&L’s managing director Imogen Johnson and talent agent Renee Jones, managing local and international acting opportunities.

Having spent 15 years working in the New Zealand film and television industry across feature and short films (The Making of the Mob, Manurewa) as well as having a background in international commercials – both here and in the UK (Sovereign, Lotto, Samsung, Meridian Energy) – King arrives with experience that will be valuable to the team at J&L.    

“It’s great to join a vibrant and collaborative team to bring the best opportunities to the talent. I’m able to bring my expertise to develop and maintain the excellent reputation Johnson & Laird Management has in the industry,” says Mareena.  

This appointment takes J&L to a total of 12 staff across five divisions within the agency, which this month celebrates its 15th year in business.

From feature films to commercials

Curious Film has a new director, with Florian Habicht signing on.

Previously making feature films, Habicht’s move to direct commercials was greeted with enthusiasm by Curious Film executive producer and managing director, Matt Noonan according to the release.

“It’s been a long held ambition of mine to work with Florian and I didn’t hesitate when he approached me to say he was ready and keen to take on commercial projects,” Noonan said.

Habicht’s work can be seen here

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