HERO takes on Brisbane with the Appointment of Natalie Redford as MD

Award-winning independent agency HERO has appointed industry heavyweight, Natalie Redford as Managing Director of its Brisbane office to guide a new era of growth for the team’s local and national clients. 

Redford joins the team from her London-based role as Marketing Director for the UK Beverage Portfolio at PepsiCo where she most recently led the organisation-wide transformation of  PepsiCo’s Media and Content division. 

She brings experience working with highly regarded global brands across both in-house and  agency roles on brand transformations, including more than 10 years agency-side at media  communications agency, OMD, leading major clients McDonald’s, FedEx and EasyJet Europe.  

Redford said it was Brisbane’s booming future and HERO’s local talent that attracted her to a  new chapter in the Australian marketing industry. 

“We’re at an incredibly exciting juncture here in Brisbane as we build towards the 2032  Olympics. The city is really shaping up for a strong future; we’re seeing a soar in tourism both  locally and from overseas, backed by significant investment and really passionate, innovative business thinking. This creates an exciting outlook as marketers, to work with brands looking to  unlock growth for the city,” Redford said.  

“Within the HERO Brisbane team, we’re lucky to have a foundation of exceptional talent across  design, media, digital, PR and brand. Partnering this with new talent in overseas marketing,  we’re excited to give clients a trusted, local team of world-class marketers.” 

HERO Founder and Creative Chairman, Ben Lilley said bringing in talent of Nat’s calibre is a  sign of the agency’s ever-growing future.  

“We have seen incredible growth in the past year in building out the right talent to meet what  modern clients are really looking for in an agency partner. Now we’re ready for an even bigger  and better 2023; and Nat’s proven agency experience and unrivalled passion for people and  creativity is going to be integral on this journey,” Lilley said.

 

“Nat is an awesome addition to the diverse skills mix of our Brisbane team. She is a natural  leader, ready to roll up her sleeves and support our talented team to deliver exceptional,  creative work.” 

The appointment follows a string of wins from clients including Toyota, Calbee, Circles Life and  InDrive, as well as award and Agency of the Year accolades which saw HERO named the top  Australian independent at the 2022 APAC Effie Awards, and collect silver and bronze at the  2022 BADC awards