TABOO promotes Kate Prowse to GM, Tatum Ambler to strategy director, hires Melba Gounas as CD along with other senior appointments

(Pictured Back L-R: Lauralee Cuzner, Sarah Shaw, Melba Gounas; Front L-R: Kate Prowse, Tatum Ambler, Tom Fitzgerald)

Melbourne-based independent TABOO has announced key new hires and promotions across the business to continue the agency’s growth.

The changes come after 12-months of new business growth for the agency, adding Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Starward Whiskey, 7-Eleven, Lavazza and ‘Up’ to their list of clients.

Kate Prowse – back from maternity leave – has been promoted to general manager. Prowse has been with the agency for over eight years and played an instrumental role in its growth in that time. Prowse’s infectious energy, passion and leadership qualities have seen her build TABOO’s core clients and attract new business and deliver award-winning work. She will be overseeing the day-to-day operations of the agency.

Says Prowse: “New year, new vibe. Looking forward to bringing a fresh perspective and energy to the business, surrounded by a team of brilliant, talented humans.”

Melba Gounas joins the agency as creative director, bringing her curiosity and a wealth of experience at agencies including VMLY&R, Thinkerbell and Affinity. She has worked across some of the most sought-after brands like LG, Colgate, Nestle, Bupa, Vodafone, McDonalds, Nespresso, Palmolive and Telfast. As a culturally curious creative, Melba prides herself on solving business problems that some would deem unsolvable.

Says Gounas: “There’s a lot of talk about harnessing the power of creativity. TABOO has always stuck out to me as an agency that marches to the beat of its own drum and where anything is possible. I’m keen to put our minds where our mouth is and get it done.”

After being at the agency for 5 years, Tatum Ambler has been promoted to strategy director and Sarah Shaw (4 years) to senior account Director. Lauralee Cuzner joins the agency as group account director, having previously been at Leo Burnett, Host and M&C Saatchi. Tom Fitzgerald joins the creative department as an art director.

Says James Mackinnon, managing director, TABOO: “On one hand these appointments represent an injection of exciting new talent – and on the other it’s about recognising and rewarding loyalty and longevity, two things that should never be taken for granted. We’re excited to have this amazing line-up of progressive and modern thinkers to keep our agency and clients at the forefront of culture and communications.”