Student affinity network UNiDAYS has announced the appointment of Prue Thomas as marketing director for Australia and New Zealand.
Thomas joins UNiDAYS from Westfield, where she was head of marketing. She brings over 20 years’ experience in fashion retail, communications and brand management.
Thomas has held senior positions at a number of global retail organisations, including a five-year tenure as fashion marketing manager at UK department store Selfridges, and six years at Topshop’s London HQ as head of marketing.
Thomas relocated to Australia in 2007 and has held various senior marketing positions at David Jones, Sportsgirl, ASOS, and Next Athleisure.
The new marketing director position at UNiDAYS marks a new phase of development for the brand in the ANZ market, which saw an Australian office and team established earlier in the year.
Ed Schmidt, UNiDAYS’ vice president for the Asia-Pacific region, said: “This is an exciting time for UNiDAYS, and we’re delighted to welcome Prue as the marketing lead for UNiDAYS in Australia and New Zealand, where she will also drive business-to-business communications and PR.
“Prue’s experience in retail marketing with brands that are UNiDAYS partners, such as ASOS, will prove invaluable, and we look forward to her contribution in elevating the position and awareness of UNiDAYS in the Australian and New Zealand markets.”
Thomas said her interest and experience in marketing to a younger audience attracted her to the position as the brand is investing in relationships with Generation Z.
“Gen Z wield the power of technology in a way no one has before, and are such an important market segment for brands to understand and engage,” she said.
“UNiDAYS are at the forefront of student marketing and brand affiliation, and I’m thrilled to be joining the business at such an important time of rapid growth.”