Raydar lures creative talent back to Godzone

AUCKLAND, Today: Strategic and creative shopper activation agency Raydar has appointed Kristyna Hotchin as general manager and Nigel Hooker as creative director, effective immediately.

Hotchin will be responsible for leading the agency, and supporting clients to ensure they are achieving their business goals will be a key part of her role.

She will report to newly appointed ceo of Proximity Chris Pescott.

First working with Clemenger Group in 2009, Hotchin left the company in 2012 to work in the UK before returning to Raydar 2015, and then more recently 99 as client services director.

Pescott said: “Kristyna has a stellar reputation within the group, and we’re delighted to see her lead the Raydar business. She’s known for building strong relationships to unlock the best work, both creatively and strategically.”

“It’s exciting times at Richmond Road.”

Nigel Hooker also returns to Raydar, as CD, after three years in Melbourne agencies and will take responsibility for the agency’s overall creative product, reporting to Proximity CCO James Mok.

With extensive experience in shopper marketing, Hooker has worked as a creative director in agencies in both New Zealand and Australia. Most recently he worked across a wide range of brands including leading the shopper creative for Carlton United Breweries, TAB, Channel 10 and Westholme in Melbourne.

Pescott: “Nigel will push boundaries and help achieve a point of difference from the competition.

“The retail environment gets more challenging each year and Nigel brings the ability to think outside the box and get his team to adopt this way of thinking too.”

Nigel Hooker said: “It’s exciting times at Richmond Road and I am looking forward to working with Kristyna, James and the whole agency to build on the great work and culture that Raydar is passionate about and respected for.”

• www.raydar.co.nz