AUCKLAND, Today: Special has promoted Jolene D’Souza to Head of Strategy, New Zealand, further strengthening its national strategy leadership team.
She joins Wellington-based Head of Strategy Bethany Omeri in a shared leadership structure across the business.
Over the past five years, D’Souza has led major accounts including Kiwibank, PepsiCo and Sky, helping shape the agency’s strategic output along the way.
Her work has contributed to Special being named NZ Effie Agency of the Year twice in the past three years. That includes campaigns which also helped the agency earn recognition as the Most Effective Independent Agency in the World.
“Jolene is not only one of the sharpest strategic brains in the country, with an incredible track record of generating revenue growth, behaviour change and market share impact for brands, she’s also universally loved by clients and her team.
“This is an extremely well-deserved promotion in recognition of the impact she has at Special, and for the brands and organisations we work with every day,” says founder of Special, Tony Bradbourne.
Jolene D’Souza says, “What sets Special apart is an obsession with making great work that drives business results, shifts behaviour and earns its place in culture.
“What sets Special apart is an obsession with making great work that drives business results, shifts behaviour and earns its place in culture.” – Jolene D’Souza
“As an independent agency founded in New Zealand, Special has always believed you can build a world-class agency from here with conviction, creativity and a bit of bravery.
“That belief shapes how we show up for the brands we work with every day, and it’s something I’m incredibly proud to be part of. Most of all, I get to do this alongside the smartest, most generous team in the business, and I feel very lucky and excited to help lead it into the next chapter.”
Chief Strategy Officer and Partner at Special, Rory Gallery, adds, “Jolene has been a giant positive force of energy for Special. She has worked on some of our best and most effective work and ensured that colleagues and clients alike have thoroughly enjoyed the journey.”
The appointment comes as Special continues to cement its place as one of New Zealand’s most consistently effective agencies.
It has also built a record as the country’s most successful agency at the Effie Awards over the past five years.
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