DDB welcomes double act to strategy team

AUCKLAND, Today: DDB Aotearoa has appointed a formidable double act to lead its planning department, with Charlotte Marks promoted to joint head of planning alongside newcomer Laura Davies.

DDB Aotearoa Chief Strategy Officer, Rupert Price said: “Previously, Charlotte was strategy director at DDB. She joined the team two years ago and immediately made an impact, delivering strong results across a vast client portfolio.

“Charlotte is an asset to the agency and has earned her reputation as a weapons-grade planner.

“She has proven herself to be an incredible strategic mind and her promotion is well deserved. I’m looking forward to working with her in running the planning team and ensuring our strategic product continues to go from strength to strength.

“In addition to elevating Charlotte, the agency has also welcomed Laura, who has recently returned from maternity leave, into the shared role.

“Previously strategy director at Saatchi & Saatchi, Laura brings over a decade of experience working across telecommunications, government, FMCG and retail in both New Zealand and abroad.

“I was only weeks away from having my daughter and while many agencies would’ve ended discussions there, Rupert and the DDB team didn’t even blink!”

“Both experienced strategists say they are excited to be working together to help take DDB’s planning team to new heights.

“The shared role reflects DDB Aotearoa’s significant investment in strategy.

“Charlotte and Laura are already proving themselves to be a formidable double act and I’m excited to see what we do together as we continue to build New Zealand’s biggest and best agency strategy team.”

Charlotte Marks said: “DDB has a special knack for developing both longstanding, emotive brand campaigns and timely, innovative creative solutions. The planning team play an important role in the process, identifying powerful insights that go on to strike a chord with New Zealanders and produce a positive outcome for our clients.

“I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Laura and Rupe to strengthen and grow DDB’s planning team.”

Laura Davies said: “Rupert and Charlotte are both brilliant strategic minds but also genuinely wonderful people.

“When Rupert reached out, I was only weeks away from having my daughter and while many agencies would have ended discussions there, Rupert and the team at DDB didn’t even blink.

“They have waited patiently for me to finish my maternity leave and their flexi policies have made it so easy for me to step into this role as a new mum – it’s wonderful to finally be here.”