Commtract Appoints New Business Development GM

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Commtract today expanded its marketing, advertising and digital offering in response to a growing number of CEOs outsourcing to ‘gig-workers’ amid COVID-19.

According to new research, 40 per cent of Australian CEOs are planning on outsourcing to freelancers in the contingent workforce.

Commtract, which launched in 2016,  has more than 4,000 communications experts on its platform, and has already placed over 800 roles. As employers across companies and agencies downsize amid the pandemic – the demand for contract talent in creative, PR, marketing and digital is rapidly rising.

The contingent workforce is expanding too, and is expected to reach 40% of the global workforce by 2025. Commtract has also witnessed this shift, with a 50% rise in freelancers joining the platform since the outbreak.

Commtract Executive Director, Vanessa Liell, said COVID-19 has fundamentally changed the way we work. “Research suggests the vast majority of Australians want to continue working from home post-COVID, and businesses that were forced into adopting more flexible workforce solutions, are now discovering that it’s working for them too,” Liell said.

According to a Deloitte report, digital sales grew by 18% in Q1 2020 compared to the same quarter in 2019. The report says, “Companies who are the fastest and more flexible in adapting to the new reality will have a huge advantage in the market.”

“The marketing, communications and creative industries are rapidly shifting to a contract and project model. COVID-19 has accelerated a shift that was already happening as companies seek the best talent on-demand,” said Liell.

Today, the platform announced the appointment of Kate Russell to lead business development. Kate has 12 years’ experience, most recently leading Community and Strategic Sales for global technical athletic apparel leader, Lululemon. This follows the appointment of marketing industry and PR leaders Andrew Baxter as Chair and Vanessa Liell as Executive Director.  Commtract’s CEO, Luke Achterstraat, will leave the business after four years of strong and successful growth.

“Kate’s appointment brings significant brand, marketing and sales skills to Commtract to drive the growing demand from both employers and talent for fast placement of specialist skills. We are delighted to welcome Kate who possesses an enviable track record in driving innovation and outstanding customer service to build world-class brands,” Liell said.

“The founding team, including Luke, has grown Australia’s go-to marketplace for talent into a proven platform that can meet the shifting patterns of client demands. The platform is tried, tested and ready to scale as the Australian market transitions to project and contract work during the recession. It’s an outstanding Australian achievement with significant potential,” Liell said.

 

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