Transtasman expansion

AUCKLAND, Today: Integrated NZ creative & PR agency Darkhorse has launched in Australia. Senior account director Frankie Gair will relocate from Auckland to Sydney in the new year to spearhead the Australian activity.

The business has already won a range of Australian clients including brands within the Pernod Ricard portfolio which include the Brancott Estate and Stoneleigh Wines global social retainers, alongside being awarded lead-creative agency for Malfy Gin across ANZ.

Darkhouse NZ co-founder Mike Hewitt said: “Breaking into Australia has been a project we’ve worked on for the last few years and we knew sending an experienced team member would help us deliver in that market.

“Breaking into Australia has been a project we’ve worked on for the last few years and we knew sending an experienced team member would help us deliver in that market.”

“We have also strengthened our offering across strategy and communications with some talented newcomers – social account director Libby Angus who moved agency-side after working at Farmers and who has been instrumental in recent social client wins.

“The strategy and communications arm of the agency has also been fortified with internal promotions of Nicole Haysom to senior account director in the PR team and Rachael Crosby to strategy director.

“Our key focus has always been our people, and how we can continue to serve up thought-provoking and strategic activity for all our clients,” said ECD Liam Taylor.

• www.thedarkhorse.com