Anthem strengthens its Auckland team with three new appointments

22 January 2016

Auckland-based communications agency Anthem has made three new appointments to bolster its digital and account management teams.

Tash McGill has been appointed Director Digital Strategy and Content. In this role Tash will have a focus on developing effective brand, communication and digital strategies that deliver value to Anthem’s clients drawing on her extensive experience as an account strategist, team leader and influencer.

Previously, Tash provided digital strategy and account services to Tourism New Zealand and NZ Story for Digital Arts Network and was responsible for delivering strategic leadership and design excellence to digital platforms and channels. She was part of the team that won the Best Ngā Aho Design Award in 2015 for Pure Pakati, the Tourism New Zealand brand relaunch. Prior to Digital Arts, Tash was Digital Communications Manager at Fonterra, within the co-operative’s communications and public affairs environments. In this role she developed and implemented an overall online strategy and executed a global content strategy with regional contributors.

In 2012 Tash managed the trans-Tasman digital operations, communications and media for the ANZ Championship netball tournament after previous agency roles working with World Vision New Zealand and The University of Auckland among other clients. Tash is also a prolific writer and an occasional broadcaster.

Rod MacKenzie joins Anthem as Executive Director primarily responsible for developing and shaping communication strategies for a diverse range of clients.

Rod was a Director of PR company Network Communications before leaving the public relations profession to initiate the Brand New Zealand campaign for a joint venture between Tourism New Zealand and Trade NZ.

He moved to the USA in the mid-1990s to oversee Trade NZ’s operations throughout North America and in a 20 year career with the organisation held the roles of Acting Chief Executive, Group General Manager Client Services and Group General Manager North Asia, the latter based in greater China.

Rod maintains close links with the Asia region and has worked closely with companies across a broad range of industry sectors.

Matt Young has been appointed to position of Account Manager working across the agency’s full range of clients.

Matt builds strong relationships with both the media and his clients and is highly motivated, resourceful and seeks to go above and beyond the brief. Media relations is a key strength.

Always up for a challenge, Matt enjoys working on large and/or complex accounts. He is involved in all aspects of account management such as strategic planning, event management, issues management, influencer engagement, managing social media platforms, copywriting and administration.

Matt has worked with a range of consumer, B2B and technology clients such as Xbox, Lightbox, Volvo, NZ Football, Auckland Airport, Compac Sorting Equipment, Visa and IAG.

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