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“Augmented Reality is the direction that I think is far more interesting and promising — for technology and, really, for humanity. AR is designed to add, enhance the things you do as a human being: Being outside, socializing with other people, shopping, playing, having fun. AR can make all those things better.” — John Hanke,

Integrated creative agency MBCS has announced the expansion of its creative team with the appointment of Abby Clark as Copy Writer and Laura Murphy as Art Director. The duo, who have previously worked together and separately, claim their best work is produced when they collaborate. Their appointment at MBCS is effective immediately, and both will

Obsessed’ is a monthly deep dive into social and cultural trends that can help marketers inform the way they think. Led by Kate O’Loughlin, Initiative strategist and self-confessed obsessive, ‘Obsessed’ will be a magic school bus to expand marketing mindsets and help brands remain relevant amongst an ever-changing cultural landscape. This month I’ve been obsessed

In this monthly column with NGEN, the MFA’s training program for media professionals with less than five years of experience, Ben Breden and Olivia Coxon, communications designer and senior partnerships exec at Initiative, respectively, track their success in bringing to life their NGEN Award entry with the help of 19 media partners and $1.3 million

Meeting of the Minds returns in 2024, showcasing diverse perspectives, thoughts and opinions from an experienced expert and industry rookie. This week’s Meeting of the Minds sees Gerry Bowness and Kaitlin Wiley from Mediahub reveal their leadership heroes, current streaming binge and career goals. Read more on Mediaweek.

Following a competitive media review, Australia’s Crown Resorts has appointed Initiative as its media agency of record. Initiative’s remit covers full funnel media strategy, planning, and buying, including performance and digital. The appointment comes after Crown’s recent unveiling of a refreshed brand, signaling a new era and bold strategy to reinforce its position as a

Steph O’Donnell has been appointed as the new Head of Investment at Initiative Melbourne, a significant move that also sees her joining the Senior Leadership Team at the agency. Reporting directly to Chief Partnerships & Investment Officer, Paige Wheaton, O’Donnell’s immediate role will be to lead the market’s investment product across the entire investment ecosystem.

Australia – Mediabrands Content Studio (MBCS) in Australia, has strengthened its leadership and strategic capabilities by promoting Toby Maclachlan to head of strategy & product and hiring Trent Peppercorn to the newly established position of head of Melbourne. The newly-designated posts take immediate effect. Maclachlan, in his new role at MBCS, will assume the responsibility of leading the overall strategic output and team across both

UM names Ben Crawford as CEO for Greater China

January 26, 2024 | Share this article

UM has appointed Ben Crawford, its chief client officer for APAC, as chief executive of Greater China, effective immediately. In the newly created role, Crawford will move from Singapore to Shanghai and have a dual reporting line to the regional president of UM APAC, Kasper Aakerlund, and the chief executive of IPG Mediabrands Greater China,