Initiative Australia CEO Lee Leggett has appointed Vanessa Starr as a client director in the agency’s Sydney operations.

Starr is formerly director of implementation planning and investment at Mediacom Sydney.

An executive with more than 13 years’ experience in media investment and client management, Starr has worked across major client portfolios including IAG, Coca Cola, Revlon, KFC, Pacific Brands, Nestle and The Australian Government.

She has previously worked for ZenithOptimedia in New York, as well as working stints at Carat and UM in Australia.

“Vanessa completely fits the profile of client partnership executives we are attracting to Initiative,” said Leggett. “She has a great track record and client experience, as well as being known in our current industry as a highly effective media executive. She will be a great addition to Initiative Sydney’s capabilities.”

Starr said of her new role: “Initiative is a much talked-about agency in the industry. Winning last years MFA Grand Prix and yet more MFA awards this year, plus some great new business wins, have all set a course for a strong future and I am really eager to contribute to the agency’s plans.”

In her new role Starr will report to Initiative client partner Andrew Lamb and will start work on November 25.