Red Havas Brisbane announces appointment of client services director + new business wins

Red Havas Brisbane has had a strong start to the year, announcing the appointment of Kyra Shakspeare to the newly created role of client services director and adding new clients in the health space.

Among other new partnerships, recent new business wins include Club Active, Australia’s leading health and fitness community for over 50s, and the Australian Counselling Association, the country’s largest registration body for counsellors and psychotherapists.

The new agency leadership position will see Kyra play an important role in helping to re-define the agency’s Brisbane presence, cultivating a new, high performing team in ‘the River City’, while also providing senior counsel to Red Havas’ national health division, which is experiencing rapid growth.

Shakspeare will report into Brisbane’s executive director, Haylie Marchant, and brings 12 years experience working with consumer and health clients, including Swiss, Chobani, Sanofi Consumer Healthcare, Cotton On Group, eHarmony and Land Rover. Her award-winning work includes a meningococcal awareness campaign for GSK that was named the PRIME Awards Campaign of the Year, and a campaign for Cotton On Group’s Supre brand.

Says Marchant: “People are the lifeblood of any organisation and I’m thrilled to welcome Kyra into this leadership role that will be pivotal in driving the growth and development of our Queensland offering.

“Kyra and I have worked together previously, so I know firsthand the value she brings to an agency and client partnerships. I’m incredibly excited about what the future holds for Red Havas Brisbane and our wider agency.”

Says Shakspeare: “It’s funny how things come full circle. Working beside Haylie in the past has led to some of my biggest achievements to-date. I’m excited to work alongside Haylie again to drive our people and creative led-culture to continually deliver best-in-class consultancy for our clients.”

Marchant said the new business wins reflect the depth of health expertise at the agency: “The wins we have announced have cemented the exceptional consumer health capabilities of the Red Havas Brisbane team and enhance our existing client portfolio of leading national and international brands.

“The work we are delivering across the organisations is incredibly important and meaningful. I’m honoured to have the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the health and wellness of Australians, especially during this critical time.”

Says Philip Armstrong, CEO of Australian Counselling Association: “With Red Havas’ expertise in public affairs and PR, we want to get mental health on the agenda this Federal election. People around the country, especially in rural and regional areas, are calling out for accessible and affordable mental health care. This campaign aims to amplify the voices of Australians and get our politicians to sit up, listen and – most importantly – act on the mental health crisis.

“I’m confident this new partnership will help drive meaningful outcomes, not only for our organisation, but for all Australians.”