Blue 449 Australia managing director Duncan Parfitt announced today the appointment of Anna Cherry as head of strategy.

A next-generation storyteller and strategic thinker with creative flair, Anna has significant experience in roles which span the media and communications industry and has worked across a vast cross-section of categories including FMCG, sport, banking and automotive.

Prior to Blue 449 Cherry was PHD’s head of strategy in Melbourne tasked with building momentum for clients including Carlton United Brewery’s, ANZ Bank, Vocus Communications, 7-Eleven amongst others.

Before this she was with Dentsu Mitchell initially leading strategy across the whole of Federal Government and then moving into a head of commercial strategy role working with clients in Australia and Japan.

Based in Blue 449’s Melbourne office Cherry will be responsible for leading the national strategy offering, working with all offices to produce the most innovative solutions to deliver business and brand focussed outcomes for Blue 449’s clients.

Parfitt said: “After meeting Anna it became clear that she was an incredible cultural fit, possessing a wonderful combination of entrepreneurial drive to make a difference and genuine care about the impact on her clients.

“This, added to the ability to deliver and inspire the highest quality of product and ambition in the full Blue 449 team, made her the perfect candidate to lead our Strategy division nationally.”

Cherry added: “I was impressed with Blue 449’s spirit that at its heart inspires teams to produce famously effective campaigns for all clients.

“I’m thrilled to join an agency that shares my passion for both the art and science of what we do and look forward to working with the team to continue to create best in class communications solutions.