Independent brand consultancy Houston Group has appointed former Interbrand managing director Amanda Szylo Duncan as its new chief strategy officer, as the agency sharpens its strategic offering amid growing demand for commercially focused brand work.
Szylo Duncan joins Houston after nearly eight years at Interbrand, where she held the dual role of managing director and head of strategy. Across close to two decades in branding and strategy, she has advised major local and global organisations including Coles Group, Westpac, Allianz and Minor Hotels.
In the newly created role, Szylo Duncan will lead Houston’s strategy team and work alongside founder and CEO Stuart O’Brien to help guide the agency’s next phase of growth.
O’Brien said the appointment marked a significant moment for the independent consultancy.
“Amanda has long been one of the most respected strategists in the market, and someone we’ve had the pleasure of going up against more than once,” he said.
“That kind of healthy competition builds real respect, and I’ve admired her work for years. Bringing her into Houston and working alongside her as a peer as CSO feels like such an exciting step — for her, for us, and for our clients.”
Szylo Duncan said Houston’s culture and client relationships were key drivers behind her decision to join the business.
“I’ve admired Houston from afar for years. The people here are talented, generous, and genuinely committed to each other, the clients and the work,” she said.
“A lot is changing in our industry but helping clients navigate increasingly complex business challenges — that’s the constant. The depth of relationship and the calibre of problems Houston gets brought in to solve is genuinely inspiring for a strategist.”
Her appointment comes as Houston continues to build out its strategic capabilities, with executive strategy director Cara Meade and strategy director Chloe Jensen also part of the expanding team.
Houston’s client roster includes brands such as Qantas, Western Sydney Airport, NRMA, Metcash and a2 Milk.
