Melbourne creative agency Hardhat promotes Issy Bonin to the role of general manager

Melbourne headquartered creative agency Hardhat has announced the promotion of Issy Bonin to general manager, effective immediately.

Bonin (left) joined Hardhat in 2014 as an account director, rising to the position of client services director within a year. She will work alongside Hardhat co-founder and MD Justin Kabbani (right) to lead the day to day operations, including managing talent and client growth.

Says Kabbani: “Issy has played a pivotal role in transitioning the business from a pure ‘digital’ offering to a full-service, integrated modern creative agency. This move has accelerated in the past 18 months, with the recruitment of key senior staff including ECD Glenn Dalton, and the addition of major clients including Tigerair, Bupa, Vicroads and Lion Dairy & Drinks.

“Issy has been a shining star since the day she joined, and is the heart of the agency. She is universally loved and respected as a caring, supportive and motivating leader, by staff and clients alike. Issy is unequivocally the best person for the GM role, and we’re thrilled to have her leading the agency through the next exciting chapter of growth and success.”

Says Bonin: “The work we’ve been doing to evolve Hardhat to meet fast-changing client needs has been hugely rewarding, as has the response from our clients. With the team we have in place and opportunity ahead, I couldn’t be more excited about the future.”

Hardhat was founded in 2005 by Dan Monheit and Justin Kabbani. The agency, now 40 strong, builds brands through a combination of creativity and behavioural insights. Hardhat clients include Tigerair, Bupa, Deakin University, Tennis Australia and Lion Dairy & Drinks.