AUCKLAND, Today: New Zealand content strategy and creation agency Augusto is expanding its office in New York City. “Not bad for an agency that started life in a garage just 10 years ago,” reckons founder Michelle Walshe.
“We’ve seen the demand for content strategy and creation grow massively over the last 10 years, and this is undoubtedly where we have built our sweet spot,” she says.
As of today, both of Augusto’s founders, Leon Kirkbeck and Michelle Walshe, will be based in New York to service a growing group of US-based clients that include AIG, NBA’s Brooklyn Nets, Blunt USA, Parley, Rodd & Gunn, and the New York Red Bulls Major League soccer team.
“We’ve had a beachhead operation in New York for the past 18 months, but now we have a dedicated core team there so we can say yes to the new opportunities that are opening up for us,” Kirkbeck said.
Ex-Assignment/Saatchi/Peter Jackson
Back on home soil, Augusto NZ has just relocated to a larger space in Auckland’s City Works Depot, where they welcome Aimee McCammon as managing director.
“We’ve had a beachhead operation in New York for 18 months, but now we have a dedicated core team.”
McCammon is formerly managing partner at Assignment Group, GM at Peter Jackson’s Park Road Post Production, and spent five years with Saatchi & Saatchi in Auckland, Wellington and New York.
“Aimee joining our team is a landmark moment for us,” Walshe said. “She’s a strong leader with unique skills and experience across agency, film production and business strategy.
“With her at the helm, we know the New Zealand business is not only in safe hands, it will also get an extra shot of enthusiasm and expertise,” says Walshe.
The new MD says is looking forward to doing great work with likeminded people. “Augusto have their fingers in some very interesting pies, but most importantly Michelle, Leon and the team are my kind of people,” she said.
“Their thinking on content strategy, and their ability to produce high quality, fast delivery content, is the new frontier for clients. We’re going to have a lot of fun, and do great work.”
New movie & NZ TV comedy in the works
This includes a new film in the works for Augusto Entertainment, and a five-part series showcasing the history of New Zealand comedy for TV One.
Other key appointments include Fleur Tonner as finance director, who joins from 14 years at Clemenger Group; Kathryn Allemann heading up business development and marketing; and Mitch Crowe and Julie Koch from FCB joining the creative department.
Augusto has three arms to its business – Augusto Limited for content strategy and creation, Corner Store for quick-turnaround video production, and Augusto Entertainment for film and documentary production.
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