Claire Hobson to head up Moon in the US

STW Group’s Moon Communications continues to build its international offering with the appointment of its first director in its New York office. Starting this week, Claire Hobson will head up Moon in the US, working to establish stronger client ties in the North American and European marketplace.

Hobson will also add further experience and credentials to Moon’s established global Sunglass Hut account.

Says Moon’s CEO, Anouk Darling: “Moon is constantly challenging itself to work without borders and operate in the global marketplace. Claire’s appointment is particularly exciting as it provides renewed focus in these important markets, opening up opportunities as well as adding existing value to the Sunglass Hut relationship.”

Having previously worked for Moon in Sydney for four years in brand strategy and development Hobson worked across clients including Westpac, Commonwealth Bank, Westfield and the InterContinental Hotels Group.

More recently, Hobson worked for brand and design agency, Yello, also part of STW Group, heading up the Account Services team for Vodafone’s below the line and retail work before being promoted to become Head of Brand Experience & Insight. In this role she helped build brands such as Qantas, Westfield, Westpac, Coca-Cola Amatil, Lend Lease and Breville, harnessing new channels of engagement for growth.

Her international experience includes five years in both Hong Kong and Shanghai working for one of the world’s leading brand and design consultancies, The Brand Union.

“Claire is a fantastic asset for Moon. Her exceptional strategic and creative insight, strong client relationship skills and specialist knowledge across key industry sectors will boost our offering and help drive business development and growth across the globe,” said Darling.

Hobson said that her role would be a challenge in a market coming out of the GFC, but clients still needed great ideas drawn from great insights to grow their businesses and brands.

“Moon and I look at the world the same way. Nothing’s impossible until it isn’t. Invention is critical in creating great brand experiences people want to buy and engage with. Moon’s culture is inherent to this way of operating,” said Hobson.

“Everyone may be talking about New Delhi rather than New York but when all is said and done, it’s still the cosmopolitan heart of the world and with that comes exciting opportunities for business,” she added.