Apparent promotes head of strategy Suzy Smiley to the newly created position of general manager

Independent digital and direct communications agency Apparent has appointed Suzy Smiley to the newly created position of general manager.

Smiley joined the agency two years ago as head of strategy, and will retain oversight of the strategy team as well as focusing on the development and evolution of business operations, staff and new business. Apparent will recruit a lead strategist to work alongside Smiley.

Says Phil Smith, CEO, Apparent: “Suzy has been instrumental in the growth of the agency as head of strategy, so taking the role of general manager is a natural progression. She will be leading the ongoing development of our product and service delivery across the agency as a whole.

“Her promotion follows a period of strong new business growth for Apparent, with several new client wins in the government and transport, health and insurance sectors, in addition to increased activity from a number of existing clients. Suzy will help deliver strategies for our clients that drive customer engagement, build relationships and deliver value and profit across the multi-channel environment.”

With 18 years’ experience in the industry, Smiley joined Apparent from her own consultancy, which had worked in partnership with Apparent clients since 2011. Prior to that, Smiley was head of digital at Ogilvy & Mather for four years. She has worked with some of the world’s biggest brands, including Unilever, Dove, Nestle, Telstra, IBM, Network Seven, Pacific Magazines and Warners.

Says Smiley: “I’m very excited about the opportunity I’ve been given at Apparent to help grow and steer the business. We have a fantastic, senior team of people here who are passionate about the results we achieve for clients. I’m looking forward to helping grow the agency and its offering.”

Apparent’s clients include Nikon, Google Enterprise, Medtronic, AMP Capital, QBE, Freedom Kitchens, Accor Plus, NSW Health, UBank, Transport for NSW, Anglican Retirement Villages and J Farren-Price.

Apparent was founded in 2010 and the team has grown to more than 30 people, working across creative, strategy, client service, production and development.

Smiley’s appointment is effective immediately.