Jamie Gilbert-Smith appointed general manager to lead launch of Ensemble Melbourne office

January 19 2012, 11:26 am | BY Lynchy | 1 Comment

Branded entertainment and sponsorship specialist Ensemble is expanding its business with the pending launch of full-time Melbourne-based operations.

Jamie Gilbert-Smith (pictured) has been appointed general manager of the new office and Tim Hodgson is appointed general manager of the Sydney office.

Ensemble, which launched in March 2010 and has become one of Australia’s fastest-growing branded entertainment businesses, will open the new Melbourne office to provide permanent on-ground support for Melbourne-based clients including L’Oreal, Bunnings and Origin.

Justin Ricketts, managing director of Ensemble Australia, said the agency had operated effectively in Melbourne for some time with local clients, but Gilbert-Smith’s appointment would bring a new dimension to Victoria-based business.

Says Ricketts: “Jamie carries the credit for a broad range of campaigns including traditional sponsorships, branded content, brand engagement platforms and media leverage programs. His experience and strategic leadership for clients is first class and ideal to lead our Melbourne office, as well as contribute to Ensemble’s national operations.”

Gilbert-Smith is currently strategy director with Octagon Australia and he has 12 years marketing experience in London and Sydney. His client work has included top marketing brands including MasterCard, Rexona, Lion (Nathan), ANZ, Coca-Cola, Telstra, Pacific Brands, The Federal Government, Masterfoods, KFC and Procter and Gamble.

Hodgson co-founded Ensemble Australia with Ricketts and has been a key driver of the agency’s success in developing existing client portfolios and winning new business. The agency has a staff of 15 people.

Says Gilbert-Smith: “Ensemble is widely seen as setting the standards in creativity and performance in the branded content and sponsorship arenas. These channels offer a genuine and effective means for brands looking to connect with their consumers to overcome brand and business challenges. I believe Ensemble and Mediabrands are very well placed in terms of people, skill sets and vision to truly deliver superior success for clients.”