Sydney, Australia – Following the official launch of its specialist property marketing division, Property & Place (P&P), full-service independent agency Enigma has announced the appointment of two newly created roles.
Dean van der Merwe is named as design director whilst Bianca Holtsbaum is appointed as the new senior business manager.
P&P was launched as Enigma looks to expand its client portfolio in the burgeoning property sector. Working alongside the division’s head and Enigma’s creative director, the duo’s remit encompasses combining strategic thinking with ambitious creative across the division’s branding and design property projects to deliver innovative solutions for client growth.
Head of P&P Akira Galvin said both van der Merwe and Holtsbaum were key hires for the growing division, bringing a complementary combination of skills and boosting the client offering across its architecture, placemaking and retail brand and design capabilities.
“I am thrilled to welcome both Dean and Bianca to the team. Dean’s keen eye and deep understanding of luxury property marketing, coupled with Bianca’s knowledge of retail and hospitality sectors, will bring new and exciting perspectives to our growing team and I’m looking forward to seeing them both settle into their new roles,” said Galvin.
With over 15 years of architecture, design and brand strategy experience garnered from working at a range of leading firms across Australia – most recently as lead designer at Bullet Studios – van der Merwe brings specialist capabilities in all aspects of architecture, interiors and wayfinding.
He has led complex projects to market across various sectors including commercial, multi-residential, boutique residential and hospitality venues, most recently for clients including Pointcorp, Third.i, Traders in Purple, Meriton, Sekisui House, and Lewis Land Group.
On his appointment, van der Merwe said, “Helping to build a specialised offering in an already thriving full-service agency was a unique opportunity not to be missed.”
“I’m excited to be part of a new division which provides clients with strategically-led design solutions underpinned by media insights; that’s a true point of difference and will help lead commercial growth for our clients. Working alongside Brad (Stevens) and Akira, I’m eager to start creating some beautiful work. With market-leading tools in our toolbox, backed by a talented and results-driven team, I can’t wait to see what we can collectively deliver,” he concluded.
Holtsbaum, previously brand manager at Merivale where she managed large-scale brand partner activations and end-to-end integrated campaigns, brings wide-ranging account management & client service capabilities. As senior business manager, her remit covers project management of integrated marketing campaigns and portfolio development, across brand and creative for all clients within the P&P division.
Commenting on her appointment, Holtsbaum said, “I am very excited to join Enigma. The agency has a great reputation and a well-known track record, particularly in property. There is an energy in the agency that is infectious. We’re working on some incredible work and have some exciting things in store. I am looking forward to being a part of this team and working alongside Akira.”
Galvin concluded, “Both Dean and Bianca are passionate individuals and their appointments further strengthen Enigma’s specialist property and place offering and will contribute to the continued growth of Enigma.”
Both van der Merwe and Holtsbaum report directly to Galvin and are based in Enigma’s Sydney office. The appointments are effective immediately.
