Independent creative agency Hardhat has appointed former WPP AUNZ Group Client Director Kate Walker as General Manager – Sydney, further accelerating the agency’s growth beyond its Melbourne headquarters.
In addition to long standing Sydney-based relationships with Baiada (Steggles and Lilydale) and Superhero, the past 12 months have brought a string of new Sydney-based client assignments for Hardhat including Afterpay, Blooms the Chemist and CareerOne.
Walker joins Alice Tschuchnigg, Hardhat’s Sydney based client services director. Up to 10 additional roles are expected to be filled in the coming weeks, further strengthening the fast-growing Sydney team.
She brings a wealth of senior agency and client management experience, with previous roles including General Manager at JWT Sydney.
Within STW Group (now WPP AUNZ) Walker also started and grew the pioneering culture and CX agency ‘Human’, that counted Accor Hotels, Medibank, NRMA and Westfield among its clients.
Justin Kabbani, Co-founder and Managing Director said, “Kate’s agency leadership experience and entrepreneurialism are exactly what we’ve been looking for to energise our growth in Sydney and to work with Alice in leading important client opportunities.”
“Over the past 12 months, demand has exploded from Sydney-based clients wanting Hardhat’s unique approach to building brands on behaviour. In Kate we’ve got a leader that can set our growing Sydney team up for success, as we on-board new clients and team members on the ground.”
Kate Walker added: “I am beyond excited about the opportunity to do something really special as we grow the Hardhat offering in Sydney. The ambition and the smarts of the team is only matched by their decency and integrity.”
“I’m looking forward to creating an inspiring place where our clients and team can come together to do the best work of their careers.”
Hardhat was founded in 2005 by Dan Monheit and Justin Kabbani. The agency, now a team approaching 50, builds brands through a combination of creativity and behavioural insights. Hardhat clients include Bupa, Bega Dairy and Drinks, Lilydale, Steggles, Superhero, Simply Energy, Kogan.com, Victoria University and Carsales.
