Mango Melbourne appoints Rebecca Ahern to managing director role to replace Elly Hewitt

Rebecca Ahern (left) has been appointed as managing director, Mango Melbourne, as after five years in the chair Elly Hewitt steps down to focus on her young family with the pending birth of her second child.

Says Dave Brown, managing director, DDB Group Melbourne: “As Elly awaits the birth of her second child we wish her the very best as she steps into the next chapter and thank her for her hard work, intellect and commitment to Mango Melbourne and Mango Australia. She has been an outstanding leader and friend.

“We also want to congratulate Bec on a very worthy appointment as she has been instrumental in the incremental growth of Mango Melbourne over the past two years. Bec was a key business leader during Elly’s first maternity leave and is one of the best practitioners I have had the pleasure of working with. I would like to thank both Bec and Elly for ensuring a seamless transition.”

During the past five years, Mango Melbourne has grown exponentially and been at the forefront of PR, social and experiential in the Melbourne market, being one of the first to ensure a fully integrated social offering through mainstream PR.

Says Ahern: “I am truly delighted to be leading such a strong, inspiring and talented team. Elly has handed over an outstanding business and I look forward to continuing the upward trajectory.

“Traditional public relations has witnessed a significant shift in the past few years with integration being more important than ever. I look forward to working with Dave, Darren and the broader DDB Melbourne Group as well as Fern Canning and the Mango Sydney team. It’s an exciting time to be stepping into this new role.”

Says Hewitt (left) on her departure: “This was, without question, one of the hardest decisions of my life. Mango Melbourne was my first baby in many ways. When Andrew Little offered me the job in 2010 the success that came surprised us both. We took risks, we laughed a lot, cried a little and the passionate desire to do things differently paid off.

“We grew the business significantly in both size and revenue, ran large, complex national accounts and really went out hard on social and digital when competitors were just dipping their toe in. I am proud and honoured to have led such a brilliant team and hand over the reigns to an outstanding modern business leader in Bec.”

Ahern officially commences as Mango Melbourne MD effective January 1.