Chain Social welcomes new digital marketing strategist

Chain Social has appointed Shelby Hobbs to the role of digital marketing strategist.

In the role, Hobbs will lead the next stage of growth for the agency's education arm, Chain Academy, with a focus on its digital products. She will also provide end-to-end support for Academy members and ensure industry training is up to date in an ever-evolving marketing and e-commerce landscape.

Chain Academy equips emerging and existing marketers and business owners with the tools to achieve digital marketing scalability through in-person and online learning opportunities.

Hobbs will provide end-to-end support for Academy members and ensure industry training is up to date in an ever-evolving marketing and e-commerce landscape.

Before joining the agency, Hobbs worked across design, marketing and e-commerce at the National Gallery of Victoria, Ace Studios and most recently, in a lead role at Culture Digital Agency.

Hobbs said of her appointment: "Having been watching Chain Academy from the sidelines for quite some time now, I’m really excited to be joining the team and leading its next phase of growth.

"I’ve long admired Chain Social’s work and look forward to making their leading industry knowledge more accessible through online education opportunities. I’m especially excited to work with and learn from such an incredibly knowledgeable and talented team.”

Chain Social's growth director, Bonnie Sansom said: "With Chain Academy rapidly growing since its 2024 launch, we knew we needed someone with a knack for driving growth and building communities to take the reins.

"It was time for us to create a full-time role dedicated to taking Chain Academy’s online product and experience to the next level. Shelby is an accomplished marketer with a strong e-commerce track record, who adds a lot of value to our team.

"We welcome Shelby’s expertise and know that through working together, Chain Academy will reach new heights in 2025 and beyond.”

Chain Academy was founded by Shelby Van Zwol in 2016. The agency has worked with some of Australia’s biggest brands like Target Australia, Wittner, JSHealth Vitamins, Gem Oral Care, Bondi Sands and more.

Top image: Shelby Hobbs

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