Australia's premier entertainment and culture marketing agency, Bolster Group, has named ad tech expert Jonathan Mandel as its Head of Media. In this role, Mandel will guide a team of 10 media specialists, focusing on expanding the agency's digital and ad-tech offerings. Mandel announced that he was excited to merge his media skills with Bolster Group’s strengths to help their clients. "I am thrilled to be joining Bolster Group, particularly during this exciting period of growth. The opportunity to combine my skills in ad tech, strategy, and media with such an unparalleled entertainment and culture-focused client list felt like a very natural move.” Bolster Group CEO James Clarke was excited to welcome Mandel to the team. “Jono brings the kind of experience, agility and innovative thinking that will play an integral part in shaping Bolster’s enhanced media offering for entertainment clients and culture brands – now and into the future.” Mandel brings over 15 years of

Global creative agency Amplify has announced two new hires: Sabrina Khong as Associate Creative Director and Caitlin Todd as Business Lead. Amplify Managing Partner Gareth Davies noted that the new recruits were highly experienced and would deliver quality creative work. "We’re truly excited to welcome Sabrina and Caitlin to the team. Sabrina’s experience delivering quality creative work across multiple mediums, from social campaigns to TVCs and augmented reality experiences, along with Caitlin’s experience across PR, strategy, social and digital, makes them both a perfect fit for Amplify as we continue to diversify and strengthen our offering and expertise." Khong said she was excited to join the new team. "I am thrilled to be collaborating with so many talented individuals in the Amplify team, and I look forward to pushing the boundaries of creativity and contributing to the already impressive list of clientele." Todd added that he was thrilled to be a part of the team as

Slingshot Media and its content and creative arm, onesmoothstone, have undergone a restructuring to adapt to a changing media environment, AdNews reported.  A new executive and senior leadership team has been appointed to drive growth. Jane Waterhouse becomes managing director of Slingshot, working alongside CEO Simon Rutherford and CIO Simon Corbett. Lisa Overall takes on a new role as head of product and analytics, and Molly Blacker has been promoted to head of creative and strategy for both agencies. Sophie Gallagher becomes creative strategy director. Rutherford said the new structure aims to make creative and content strategies more effective by leveraging data and analytics. “Any media professional knows creative has the greatest impact on the effectiveness of any brand campaign, especially in video. Today a media agency is closest to the data and analytics that informs creative performance and optimises the strong assets.” Anna Vuong, head of e-commerce at Standards Aus

Bastion Reputation has appointed Campbell Fuller as Principal Consultant for Crisis, Risk, and Regulation.  The appointment comes as part of the expansion of Bastion Reputation's Sydney office, which also includes Tess Salmon, Principal Consultant for Major Infrastructure and Industry Transition, and consultants Sally Taylor and Kaysia Thompson. Clare Gleghorn, Managing Director at Bastion Reputation, stated Fuller’s experience in helping organisations through challenging times will be an asset to the team.  "Campbell’s appointment builds on the significant experience and expertise in our Sydney office and is an important step in continuing to meet the needs of our diverse list of clients across Australia." Fuller called it a rare opportunity and said he was thrilled to join Bastion Reputation. "Being prepared for a crisis has probably never been more important. I am excited to support the expansion of Bastion Reputation’s Sydney and Melbourne offerings." Fuller previousl

Yvonne Sewankambo has been appointed communications consultant at Sedgwick Communications. In her new role, she will handle the agency's travel and publishing clients, Mumbrella reported.  Sewankambo has over eight years of experience in multiple sectors, including publishing, film, television, and education. She will be responsible for leading key accounts and achieving results for the agency's clients. Laura Sedgwick, the agency's managing director, stated that Sewankambo's experience will be an asset to the agency's client list. “Yvonne is a skilled communicator with a wealth of experience that she can bring to the agency’s client list. I’m excited to have her on board to help continue the agency’s run of success.” Sewankambo mentioned that she looks forward to contributing to the growth of Sedgwick Communications and working with clients. “I’m excited to work with the wonderful teams at Singapore Tourism Board and Book People, sharing their exceptional value and

North Sydney-based full-service marketing agency Ardent has expanded its Sydney team and client portfolio in the first fiscal quarter, Mediaweek reported. The agency has announced key new hires, including Adrian Wang as digital designer, Mark Kratochvill as digital strategy manager, Patricio Churruarin as paid social manager, and Kerry-Ann Henrico as public relations account manager. Ardent's Managing Director, Danny Massa, stated that each new team member adds value to the agency and its partners. “We passionately believe our role is to act as an extension of our partner’s team and channel our efforts into providing holistic marketing support to scale our partner’s growth,” Massa said. These hires are part of a strategic plan to enhance the agency's full-service capabilities, contributing to an 83% year-on-year increase in overall headcount. The agency also announced new partnerships with 10:PM, SYMBX Biome, and Affordable Pools. New web design projects are also underway

Andrew Drougas is now the Managing Director - Melbourne for Howatson+Company.  Drougas will work with the current leadership team, including Managing Partner Rebecca Robertson and Renee Hyde, who is now the new Group Managing Director. Chris Howatson, Founder and CEO of Howatson+Company, stated that he was thrilled to welcome Drougas to the team. “Drougas’ experience will immediately elevate our business and help define our next era," Howatson said. Drougas shared a timely update on his new role on LinkedIn. “And the next episode begins – Howatson+Company already feels like home.” Previously, he spent 15 years at Clemenger Group, last serving as Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director - Melbourne at CHE Proximity.