Volkswagen Group appoints Apparent to its digital and CX business
Suzy Smiley: 'Volkswagen Group has an inspiring vision for the future and we’re excited about the opportunity to achieve outstanding results together.'
Apparent has been appointed to Volkswagen Group Australia’s digital and CX business.
The independent agency will oversee the group's brands, which include Audi, Volkswagen, Skoda and CUPRA.
"We are delighted to be partnering with Apparent," Joshua Wood, head of digital and CRM, Volkswagen Group Australia, said. "Their exceptional data analysis, customer experience, and creative innovation capabilities align perfectly with our vision.
"With a strong commitment to partnership we have great confidence in achieving meaningful outcomes," he added.
Apparent, managing director Suzy Smiley added: "It’s an honour to be selected as Volkswagen Group Australia’s Digital and CX partner. The appointment is a significant new partnership for Apparent.
"Volkswagen Group has an inspiring vision for the future and we’re excited about the opportunity to achieve outstanding results together.”
The win for the agency, whose clients include Google, Cricket Australia, Sydney Symphony Orchestra and IBM, follows recent senior hires to the team.
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Apparent recently welcomed Hamish Stewart to the newly created role of chief creative and experience officer to elevate and grow the agency’s integrated offering. He previously served as the national executive creative director of experience at CHEP Network. He has also held senior positions at R/GA Sydney, M&C Saatchi, and GHO.
Throughout his career, Stewart has led creative initiatives for many of Australia’s top brands, including Optus, CommBank, Google, and NRMA Insurance. His extensive experience spans the full range of marketing creativity, encompassing brand development, customer experience, digital strategies, sponsorship, design thinking, and innovation.
Simon Pugh was appointed to the role of chief media officer in June. He has previously held senior roles across Publicis Groupe, Omnicom, and Dentsu in Sydney, New York, and San Francisco.
Before joining Apparent, Pugh helped establish the newly formed EssenceMediacom agency in Australia as chief client officer. He has worked with startups through to international brands including Square, Microsoft, Diageo, and The Coca-Cola Company.
