Artemis Communications launches as an independent, integrated communications agency

AUCKLAND, Today: Artemis Communications – a new independent and integrated agency – has been launched by Auckland video production house VideoTaxi.

VideoTaxi ceo Isobel Kerr-Newell said (in a statement announcing the launch): “Artemis is a response to client-led demand for a seamless, integrated suite of communications and digital content services.

“It will focus on building long-term value for its clients through work that drives connection, inspires action, impacts culture and creates meaningful change.

“I have long wanted to build a truly future-facing communications agency and now is the right time.

“Offering a wide range of services, Artemis’ initial focus will be on social and digital marketing, brand strategy and public relations, complementing VideoTaxi’s high-quality, cost-efficient digital content production capabilities.

“Artemis is already working with a range of clients across New Zealand and Australia in the insurance, wellbeing, FMCG, creative, sustainability and social change sectors.”

Artemis will work closely alongside VideoTaxi, with Kerr-Newell moving to a group ceo role, responsible for both businesses, co-ordinating the delivery of client services as required.

Supporting her at a senior level at Artemis will be a team of experienced practitioners, including Beccy Churchill (group account director) and Caitlin Howie (social media lead). Jared Grib will also support the growth of Artemis as group business development director.

“Communications isn’t just an industry – it’s a superpower.”

Kerr-Newell: “The creation of Artemis has been deliberately organic, built by listening to the needs of clients and purposefully designed to provide a natural and complementary extension to VideoTaxi’s digital content expertise and unique operating model.

“In addition, Artemis is forging a new, fresh service offering for our growing client base. At Artemis, our approach is to bring together the very best experts in their respective fields and then take a holistic view on how best to meet a client’s communications challenges.

“Each of the team are natural problem solvers, trusted consultants in their respective fields and when combined offer a progressive alternative to the traditional agency model. Our strategy recognises that content is at the heart of modern communications, so we are thrilled to offer clients a full turnkey solution alongside VideoTaxi.

“In terms of the culture we are creating for talent, the focus will be on building an environment that puts our people at the centre of everything and truly values and cares for humans over the course of their career – an antidote for the churn and burn norm in our industry.

“Those who have worked with me before will know this to be true. I’m fiercely protective and supportive of our team and am passionate about creating a place that can flex and grow with people as they progress through the seasons of a rich and fulfilled life in and outside of work.”

Artemis GAD Beccy Churchill said: “Communications isn’t just an industry – it’s a superpower.

“If you can harness it well, you can create real, powerful tangible change. I am thrilled to start this new chapter alongside Isobel and the wider Artemis team.”

“Those who have worked with me will know I’m fiercely protective of our team and passionate about creating a place that can flex and grow.”

About Artemis Communications & VideoTaxi
Artemis Communications Aotearoa is an innovative, independent communications agency focussed on building long-term value for businesses through work that drives connection, inspires action, impacts culture and creates meaningful change.

It is managed by a team of seasoned professionals, including

Isobel Kerr-Newell who previously established MSL for Publicis Groupe in New Zealand and has also held senior leadership roles at Saatchi & Saatchi in both New Zealand and London, where she was marketing director across Europe, Middle East and Africa and has been a trusted advisor to the most senior people within the Saatchi & Saatchi global network for over 17 years.

Kerr-Newell is an internationally awarded creative PR practitioner, the recipient of multiple Gold Cannes Lions, has served on a number of international creative juries and has been a vocal advocate for women in the creative industry throughout her career.

Previously a non-executive director of VideoTaxi, she was a member of the board of directors of Saatchi & Saatchi Sweden and also served on Saatchi & Saatchi’s Worldwide Sustainability Board.

She is currently a member of Champions for Change – a collective of New Zealand’s top ceos prioritising diversity, equity and inclusion in their businesses, is a member of Global Women and is currently on the advisory board of New Zealand luxury wellbeing brand, Hyoumankind.

Beccy Churchill is a behaviour-change communications expert who brings more than a decade of experience in the UK and ANZ markets working on campaigns anchored in creating true social change.

She is passionate about issues related to social care, women and minority groups, and has held previous roles with Herd MSL (Australia) and MSL New Zealand and worked for a range of top agencies and clients in New Zealand and the UK.

On the consumer side, she has led accounts for some of the world’s biggest brands such as Uber, Airbnb and Diageo.

Caitlin Howie is a seasoned social media practitioner, skilled at both organic and paid social strategies for clients as well as content creation.

She was previously with Firefly Digital as a Senior Social Media Specialist and previously spent five years with Edinburgh-based digital marketing agency Bundle Digital.

• artemiscomms.co.nz
• videotaxi.co.nz