Archibald / Williams recruits ex-Isobar’s Mary Perebzak for newly created head of strategy role
Archibald / Williams will bolster its strategic offering with the appointment of Mary Perebzak (pictured with Bram Williams, co-founder, A / W) as the agency’s head of strategy. This is a new appointment for the agency with Perebzak bringing a depth of experience having worked in top positions over the past fifteen years across global and local brands.
Prior to joining A / W Perebzak was head of strategy for Isobar Australia. As part of the agency leadership team she headed up the strategy function with a team of six strategists and clients ranging from David Jones to Stockland, The Smith Family, Bayer and Citibank etc. Before this she was Strategy Director for M&C Saatchi, responsible for the strategic planning and communications development for the agency’s key client, Optus.
Perebzak has also worked for JWT, and on the client side for Diageo in Canada and Australia. She was with Diageo for nine years, beginning as assistant brand manager and progressing through the ranks to group marketing manager, a position she held for two years with responsibility for the second largest portfolio in Diageo’s Australian business delivering $150m in retail sales. She led a team of five direct reports with responsibilities for the broader team of 40 marketers.
Perebzak is passionate about mentoring young people in the industry. From 2012 – 2014 she lectured on strategic planning principles for AdSchool Communications Council and this year she is lecturing at Macleay College, delivering a brand experience course to students pursuing a career in media and advertising.
Says Bram Williams, co-founder of Archibald / Williams: “We see a truly diverse range of strategic work in the shop and the breadth and depth of Mary’s experience positions her perfectly to lead our thinking. Stu and I are delighted to have her on board.”
Says Perebzak: “Archibald / Williams has grown quite quickly in a short period time – a testament to its solid strategic foundation and talented people. It’s a great time to be joining the team.”