New South Wales, Sydney – Apparent, a full-service Sydney-based independent agency, has appointed Matt Olanda as its new client services director. The agency said the appointment comes after significant client growth seen locally and internationally. 

Olanda brings with him extensive leadership experience with 17 years under his belt working across London and Sydney agencies as a client service lead across CX and digital. As client service director at 303 MullenLowe and MercerBell, he managed large teams for clients such as Foxtel, Audi, HBF Insurance, Suncorp, American Express, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, BMW, Unilever, and the Department of Health (UK).

“We’re excited to welcome Matt into our team as we continue to deliver strong growth and win new business both in Australia and internationally while expanding our remit with existing clients. Matt brings with him rich experience and a deep specialism in CX, digital, and customer communications. He sees the agency and client relationship as a true partnership and takes a hands-on approach to drive positive results through creativity.” Phil Smith, Apparent’s CEO, commented.

Olanda himself said, “It’s an exciting time to come aboard. Apparent is one of the fastest-growing independents in Sydney with clients across the globe and a full-service offering. 

He added, “I’m thrilled to join such a talented team and look forward to building on their great work. It’s an opportunity to further strengthen our partnerships with our incredible clients like Cricket Australia, Tourism Australia, Google, and LinkedIn who have a real appetite for solving business problems and delivering customer-first creative solutions.”

Sydney, Australia – Full-service independent agency Apparent has been appointed by Active Super, a local-based profit-to-member superannuation fund, to lead and handle its media business.

The agency has secured the Active Super business following a three-way pitch and will manage media strategy, planning, and buying, including performance, media and SEO.

Chantal Walker, chief digital and marketing officer at Active Super, said, “As we continue to tell our new Active Super story, Apparent impressed us with their expertise in driving awareness and building the brand through our responsible investing policies and highlighting our fund performance to drive acquisition.”

Walker also added that Apparent’s team showed clear strategic thinking on how to grab the attention of their target audience across media touchpoints and their ability to work collaboratively with their other agency partners.

Active Super, formerly Local Government Super, rebranded in May this year and has AU$14b of funds under management. It is one of only four Australian super funds with all its products certified responsible by the Responsible Investment Association Australasia and is also certified carbon neutral by Climate Active.

Meanwhile, John Halpin, head of strategy and media at Apparent, added, “It’s always great to work with an organization launching a new brand into the market and all the exciting opportunities [that present] from a media strategy perspective.”

He added, “It’s also satisfying to be doing it for a partner which demonstrates their values in the responsible investment of its members’ funds. We’re delighted to have been appointed and will work closely with Chantal, her team, and the other agencies to make Active Super a household name.”

Active Super is the latest win for Apparent’s media division and follows the decision by Sydney Symphony Orchestra to appoint it to manage strategy, planning, and media buying.

Sydney, Australia – With the launch of its new season this year, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra has appointed full-service independent agency Apparent as its media agency of record, where they will be managing all media strategy, planning, and buying for the Sydney Symphony. 

The agency appointment comes as Australian conductor Simone Young makes her debut as the Sydney Symphony’s new chief conductor and the launch of their 2022 Season. The Orchestra will also return to the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall next year following the two-year historical upgrade.

Luke Nestorowicz, director of sales and marketing at the Sydney Symphony, said, “As for many, it has been a turbulent period for the cultural and entertainment sectors, but as we launch our 2022 Season and introduce our new chief conductor, we’re looking forward to welcoming back audiences and wanted a media agency partner that understands the need to remain responsive and adaptable.” 

He added, “Apparent showed just that, in addition to presenting innovative ways on how we can reconnect with our music lovers. We look forward to working closely with them to bring the Orchestra back bigger than ever next year.”

Meanwhile, John Halpin, head of strategy and media at Apparent, commented, “This is a critical time for the arts as they reboot in a post-lockdown environment. We’re excited to have been appointed to work with a world class organization of passionate and dedicated people to help them to return to the stage and ahead of its homecoming to the Sydney Opera House.”

Apparent’s current clients include Cricket Australia, Chartered Accountants, and Anglicare.