The Media Store's recruitment drive for its new Melbourne office

Following the opening of its Melbourne office in January this year, The Media Store continues to grow in its new market. This year’s recruitment drive by newly appointed general manager Stephen Leeds has identified key senior staff to service existing clients.

Helen Karambilas joined The Media Store as group business director on the Lexus account and will be responsible for partnership initiatives and channel planning for the luxury motor brand. Formerly of Initiative, Karambilas brings over 18 years’ experience to The Media Store and says she is excited to drive the Lexus business forward in Melbourne: “Lexus is such an innovative brand to be a part of and I look forward to evolving the brand within the ever changing and challenging media landscape.”

Also joining the Melbourne team after two years in London is Ella MacDonald, business manger on Toyota Retail. MacDonald brings over six years’ media planning and buying experience to The Media Store, specialising in fashion retail across brands such as Burberry, Marks and Spencer and Rolex.

MacDonald will report to group head for Toyota, David Lodge, who has been with the company since 2005 and relocated to Melbourne in January alongside head of digital, Ally Cooney, business managers on Toyota, Richard Lowe and Jen Nicholls, and digital planner buyer Sam Coughlan.

Both the Lexus and Toyota teams’ client service offering will be complemented by two new partnership and integration specialists – Hayley Short and Melanie Scully.

“The Media Store’s Melbourne office has incredible momentum with the building full of hungry, creative staff looking to make an impact for their clients in ways that lead the pack,” said The Media Store chief executive officer Craig Jepsen.

“Stephen has orchestrated a wonderfully successful recruitment drive in a new market, which along with our existing team enhances our drive for growth in both Sydney and Melbourne.”