Strategy Creative Auckland’s studio will have a new managing partner from today with Melanie Spencer stepping into the role. She finishes her current position as general manager at commercial interior design group Spaceworks, to join Strategy Auckland creative partner and studio founder, Gideon Keith.
In her three years at Spaceworks, Spencer’s moved from heading marketing & communications to becoming GM. “She has overseen the company growth from eight employees to 28 with equally impressive revenue growth,” says Gideon Keith.
Spencer has more than a decade of experience in marketing and communications throughout New Zealand and Australia. “The world of marketing is my happy place and I’m incredibly excited to get back into it and join the Strategy network,” she says.
“I come with my experience in marketing and comms, but also with the added experience of growing and improving a business with a team of creatives. I have huge admiration for Gideon’s work so I can’t wait to begin growing Strategy Auckland together.”
More sass than sting
Spencer’s appointment is in line with Strategy’s model of having equal partnerships between creatives and business strategy specialists and both partners are gearing towards creating a studio with more sass than sting.
“We will of course be focussed on client service and creating world-class creative and strategic work but our philosophy is also to show a mutual respect for our team and to become the brand studio where everyone wants to work,” Keith says.
“The world of marketing is my happy place and I’m incredibly excited to get back into it.”
“It’s a model that’s seen the business grow from two people in one Christchurch studio 25 years ago to now having more than 100 staff across five studios in Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, Sydney, and Tokyo.”
That strategic-creative partnership approach is one Spencer is a big believer in. As GM of Spaceworks, she helped oversee a team of interior designers and enjoys the challenge of aligning their creative talents with business imperatives.
“The most important thing is maintaining a strong relationship with the client. That comes down to establishing a culture of clear and open dialogue both internally and externally. I definitely take a no-surprises collaborative approach.”
Keith — who’s created award-winning brand work for clients such as Westpac, My Food Bag, The Arts Foundation, Kiwi Property, and Auckland Airport — says he’s delighted to have Spencer on board.
“Mel brings an impressive resumé and track record of getting things done and executing at a very high level,” he says.
“It’s a very exciting time in the Auckland market and there are lots of opportunities where we can add real value. With Mel onboard, we’re in a perfect position to create exceptional work for our clients.”
About Strategy Creative
Strategy Creative is an international network of boutique agencies producing award-winning design and advertising around the world. The group was founded in 1992 in Christchurch and now has studios in Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, Sydney and Tokyo.
- For further information, contact Group managing partner Geoff Cranko: geoff.cranko@strategycreative.com.
- www.strategycreative.com
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