Tribal NZ execs promoted

AUCKLAND, Thursday: DDB Group digital experience agency Tribal Aotearoa has made two promotions within its leadership team, “following significant momentum and growth over the past year”.

Managing partners James Blair and Haydn Kerr have been promoted to managing director and executive creative director respectively. These moves follow fellow Tribal managing partner Liz Knox’s promotion to managing director – production services, a role which oversees a team of 65 production and delivery specialists across the Tribal and DDB NZ businesses. 

DDB NZ ceo Priya Patel said: “In fewer than than two years Tribal has gone from a nonentity to a thriving agency with an incredible client portfolio and is one of the fastest growing arms of our business. I believe that sort of success has to be recognised.

“James and Haydn’s promotions give Tribal the chance to double down and focus on areas of potential new growth and new clients in the digital experience, build and utility space.

“Tribal was established in 2019 and has grown by more than 300% over the past two years, following several business wins. These include international brands Volkswagen and Audi as well as local businesses Supacolour, Lumino and Ray Glass Boats, plus institutions like Jarden, New Zealand Trade & Enterprise and Plant & Food Research.

James Blair said: “It’s an exciting time in the digital arena, as businesses are increasingly looking to their online offering in the wake of Covid-19 when online trade was crucial to their survival.

“Tribal delivers unexpected digital experiences that have the potential to fundamentally change the way brands do business.”

“People have built relationships with brands online in everyday life, online shopping has become commonplace and big brands are reviewing how they’re able to interact with and offer their services to customers online.

“There are huge opportunities to unlock further growth for our current and future clients by providing specialist support to create digital experiences that drive an action or emotional response,” says James.

Haydn Kerr said: “Brands are increasingly recognising the need to provide their customers with services that move seamlessly between digital and non-digital worlds.

“Tribal’s success over the past two years, and particularly the past 12 months, can be attributed to the fact we are able to be the bridge between traditional brand thinking and cutting-edge digital technological expertise.

“Whether it’s social media and digital content creation, or grunty web-based projects, apps or product development, Tribal delivers unexpected digital experiences that have the potential to fundamentally change the way brands do business. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future has in store.”

About Tribal Worldwide
A digital experience agency for the connected age. We drive growth for our clients businesses by connecting traditional brand storytelling with the power of modern technology. We do this by creating unexpected digital experiences that drive an action or emotional response through content, platforms and products. Tribal Aotearoa is part of DDB Group Aotearoa, comprising DDB (creative), Track (customer, data, CRM), Mango (PR, experiential, social influencer) and Interbrand (strategy, design).

• www.tribalworldwide.co.nz