Howatson+Company made two senior leadership appointments, with Kate Naylor appointed general manager, Melbourne and Sally Borda appointed managing partner, leading CommBank.
Naylor has joined with 18 years of global account management experience, having led award-winning campaigns for brands including Uber, Samsung, Google and adidas Originals.
Most recently she was head of client service at Rethink New York. She was also part of the leadership team that grew the agency’s New York office from three people to more than 40 and helped drive its recognition as Independent Agency of the Year at Cannes in 2024 and 2026. Her career also spans BBH, Johannes Leonardo, CHEP and Ogilvy, with work recognised at Cannes Lions, the Effies, D&AD and the Clios.
“This was a chance to join Australia’s leading independent agency at a moment of real momentum and ambition. What excites me most here is the breadth of capability beyond traditional advertising, and the calibre of people here. Sharp, generous, and never content to do things the expected way. That’s the kind of energy I want to be part of,” said Naylor.
Borda brings 13 years of industry experience to the role, most recently she spent eight years at Ogilvy Australia leading financial services accounts including ING, TAL and American Express.
Her prior experience includes AMV BBDO London, working on British Telecom, and WCRS, where she led work for The Royal Navy and Marines brand recruitment and Warburtons. Prior to that she worked at GPY&R Melbourne on Defence Force Recruitment. Her sector expertise spans financial services, armed services and FMCG. She was recently named one of AdNews’ Emerging Leaders for 2026.
Borda says “The Commonwealth Bank is the economic engine of Australia, and H+Co is one of the sharpest forces in the industry. Together, that’s a serious statement of intent. This partnership is exactly the kind of ambition you’d expect from Australia’s biggest bank and its leading independent agency. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of it,” said Borda.
Naylor and Borda will report to group managing director Renée Hyde.
“We’re delighted to welcome Sally and Kate. Their deep expertise in business management, combined with their understanding of what it takes to build strong, trusted client partnerships, will be invaluable as we continue to maintain our standard. These appointments reflect our commitment to investing in exceptional leadership and delivering ambitious, effective work for our clients. What’s more, they already feel like H+Co people,” Hyde added.
The appointments are effective immediately.
