Designworks has announced two key leadership appointments for its Wellington office. Vic Smith (pictured left) has been appointed managing director, with Helen Milner (right) taking the role of creative director. They join Chris McDermott, head of innovation, as Wellington’s leadership team.

Smith worked with Designworks 10 years ago before heading offshore to take up senior brand roles in Australia, UK and most recently as managing director for Landor’s Singapore office where she also led the key Proctor & Gamble Asia account.

Milner is a long-time Wellingtonian and was owner and creative director at highly regarded brand agency Tardis. She’s spearheaded the development and growth of a number of well-known New Zealand brands, including many in the food and beverage industries.

Designworks group chairman Sven Baker says the new appointments signal a continued focus for Designworks on strategic innovation and customer experiences across the complete physical, behavioural and technology spectrums.

“Vic and Helen bring a bucket load of talent, knowledge and energy into the Wellington office. They’re seriously experienced brand specialists and with Chris they’ll form a potent leadership team in a time of rapidly changing client needs,” said Baker.

Smith said Designworks Wellington is well placed to ensure clients are armed to meet the changing market dynamics.

“Strong brands know they need to earn trust on a daily basis,” she says. “Strategic insight remains at the heart of everything we do, but it’s the interactivity and relationship based connections that bring that to life. We’ve been building our technology capabilities through appointments and acquisitions over the last few years and built a very strong and experienced team.

“We’ve got a lot to live up to. Designworks began life here in Wellington 38 years ago and it’s always about that alchemy of strategic logic and creative magic – technology amplifies that massively.”