Collis takes on expanded role at Telstra

Former advertising creative director Mark Collis, who joined Telstra in May as director of creativity and innovation, has been given a broader role within Telstra ina restructure designed to enable its people to think, create and executecampaigns more effectively. Collis will now lead a dedicated Creativity,Innovation, Brand Strategy & Customer Experience team, carrying on the work Amanda Johnston-Pell’s team has already started in the Brand space. 

“The team is being established to createlong-term brand strategies, drive a culture of innovation across the marketing,product and customer experience teams and contribute fresh ideas and approachesto the broader organization,” says Kate McKenzie, Telstra’s chief marketingofficer. “By separating this strategic function from our tactical marketinggroup, the team will be better placed to drive longer-term brand strategies.” 

Collis’ responsibilities will now extend to CustomerExperience to ensure Telstra’s products continue to match the high expectationsof our customers. This means the team currently reporting in to Klaus Kaasgaardwill now report into Collis. Kaasgaard is leaving Telstra after 15 months.

 “This change will also enable our advertising specialists to focus onbringing winning tactical executions to market to support our shared revenueobjectives with our client groups. The Media, Promotions, Advertising andEvents team (previously known as BMCG) will continue to be accountable forabove and below the line communications for Telstra Consumer, Telstra Businessand Telstra Enterprise & Government,” says McKenzie. “The team will also becritical in executing the Brand strategy and be responsible for agencyrelationships and commercial arrangements. Chantal Walker will continue to leadthis team in an acting capacity while Amanda Johnston-Pell is on maternityleave.”

Additionally, Claire McFarland will now lead the Online and Mobile Mediateam. Claire has more than 15 years of experience in online and mobile contentand a strong history of introducing innovative media in the ISP and telcospace. Ben Kinealy will take on the role as Head of IPTV and brings more than20 years of television experience to the role including leading the recentdeals to deliver BigPond TV content to Samsung and LG televisions.