Think HQ Hires Isabel Zhang as Head of Cross-Cultural Research

Fully-integrated positive change agency, Think HQ, has announced leading social research specialist and business strategist, Isabel Zhang, is joining its growing team. Based at its South Melbourne campus, Isabel will be Think HQ’s head of cross-cultural research.

With over 20 years of research experience across the Asia-Pacific region, Isabel has been at the forefront of championing multiculturalism and cross-cultural in-depth understanding that amplifies the voices of multicultural communities in Australia and across borders.

Isabel will bring a wealth of industry and sector experience spanning government, education, travel and tourism, retail, property, FMCG and financial services. Her expertise lies in empowering organisations to effectively navigate complex multicultural environments by providing invaluable insights into cultural nuances that enable strategic planning and policymaking.

Jen Sharpe, founder and managing director at Think HQ, said, “I’ve been admiring Isabel’s work and contributions to our industry for years. 2025 marks our 15th anniversary and I can’t think of a better way to kick things off than by welcoming Isabel to the team. Isabel is a fantastic researcher with an enviable reputation across Australia and the wider APAC region, and I know that her research pedigree and commercial smarts will make a big impact at Think HQ and the value we can offer the market.”

Isabel Zhang, head of cross-cultural research at Think HQ, said, “My entire career has been focused on acting as a vital bridge to help organisations, business and brands connect meaningfully with multicultural communities both here in Australia and globally. Think HQ is uniquely positioned to connect with today’s Australia, so joining a fantastic team at a truly rare agency was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I’m here and I’m ready to get to work!”

Isabel joins Think HQ after over six years at Bastion as general manager - cross-cultural research. Following her move to Think HQ, she will continue her leadership role within the Australian Institute for Diversity in Mental Health, where she works to reshape mental health approaches to better support multicultural communities. At Think HQ, Isabel will sit within the agency’s Strategy & Insights team and also work closely with the agency’s multicultural communications arm, CultureVerse.