Run leadership strong in 2023

AUCKLAND, Today: K Rd-based agency Run has grown, with the addition of account director Shelley Cousins, and designer Olivia Aukafolau.

Cousins (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Chinese, Pākehā) now forms part of the leadership team alongside Run co-founders Laura Cibilich and Raymond Otene McKay, overseeing projects from start to finish.

She came to Run after 12 years at DDB Aotearoa where she worked through-the-line on the ANZ account and latterly, Ronald McDonald House and McDonald’s, producing marketing campaigns for their 170+ restaurants across Aotearoa, and a D&AD Pencil winner (Reflections campaign) during the 2020 lockdown.

Starting her career at Haines (now FCB), Cousins has also left her mark at WWAV London, RBR and Y&R New Zealand. 

Cousins said: “I’m grateful to be able to merge my commercial expertise with my passion for te reo Māori and te ao Māori in this one role and it’s a privilege to be part of this kaupapa.”

“Run is a Māori-owned, female-led, internationally award-winning creative agency, formed in 2008.”

Run co-founder/CCO Raymond Otene McKay said: “With Shelley’s wealth of industry experience, her integrated approach and the fact that she embodies manaakitanga, she’s a rarity and a perfect fit for the Run whānau.”

Olivia Aukafolau is a graphic designer who comes to Run from Federation, where she worked across projects for Auckland Council Group, L’Oréal, NZ Opera and Massey University.

She said: “The level of mahi Run produces is world class, so I’m excited to be a part of their amazing team and to be working on a wide range of meaningful, social good projects.”

McKay: “We’re thrilled to have them both onboard the Run waka as we grow, working with us to guide clients through advertising and design, with an authentic indigenous lens.”

About Run
Run is a Māori-owned, female-led, internationally award-winning creative agency. Formed in 2008, it focuses on creating quality strategy and unique solutions for brands, organisations, iwi and government.

• runwithrun.com