Independent creative business Mash has appointed former Vice head of client services Damien Miller as its first general manager.
Miller was appointed to this newly created hybrid role following an extensive local and global search.
He will be responsible for client management as Mash moves into its next phase of growth and will also lead the engagement strategy for Mash’s global community of experienced creative, digital and strategic problem solvers that work across six continents and which is currently 100 strong.
Mash, which was started in 2018, curates bespoke teams to deliver "big-brand thinking" to brands without costly agency overheads.
“Damien’s appointment marks a significant milestone for Mash as we drive the business into its next phase," Mash founder and managing director Tash Menon says.
"It is also a recognition that our agile model of curating world-class creative teams and connecting them with brands is resonating both in Australia and around the world.”
A marketing specialist with more than 15 years' experience helping brands connect with audiences through culture, Miller built the client services and brand partnership team at youth media company Vice Media Group in Australia and New Zealand.
He was also responsible for the delivery of commercial partnerships across Vice Digital, Vice Studio and Virtue - Vice's creative services agency.
He has successfully led partnerships and activations for global brands including Google, Instagram, Nike, Diageo, Gucci, eBay, Beats By Dr. Dre, Amazon, BMW, Budweiser and Tourism Australia.
“It's exciting to have joined MASH at such a significant time in their development," Miller says.
"I'm looking forward to building deeper relationships with our brand partners and team of MASHers around the world to deliver the best brand thinking.”
Mash has also announced two new major client wins.
The first is Experience Co, an ASX-listed adventure tourism company with a portfolio that includes 16 skydiving drop zones across Australia and New Zealand, Great Barrier Reef and rainforest experiences in tropical north Queensland and premium walks in Northern Territory, South Australia and Tasmania.
Mash, which was appointed without a pitch, has been engaged to develop the brand architecture and a creative refresh.
“MASH is a business built for our times and as we ready to embark on our next period of strategic growth being able to tap into a global team of highly experienced creative and marketing talent, which have been curated especially for our requirements, made them ideally suited for Experience Co,” Experience Co CEO John O'Sullivan says.
Global hotel owner, operator and investor, Minor Hotel Group, has engaged Mash to develop a differentiated brand positioning for one of its leading global chains of hotels and resorts, which includes 60 properties across Australia, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, India, Qatar, and Lebanon.
It will develop an integrated brand communications platform and multimedia asset creation.
“We wanted a partner that could plug into our marketing functions seamlessly and offer the expertise we need to develop a new brand positioning for one of our leading leisure brands," Minor Hotels group director, brand and marketing Melissa Rodrigues says.
"Mash offered just that and has already hit the ground running.”
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