Amanda Galmes appointed to MD role at Sibling; Fleur Marks moves into new talent wellbeing + development director position at WPP AUNZ

WPP AUNZ agency Sibling has appointed Amanda Galmes (right) as managing director effective immediately. Galmes replaces Fleur Marks (left), who has moved into the newly-created role of WPP AUNZ talent wellbeing and development director, where she will develop and oversee a range of talent initiatives across the group. 

Galmes was co-founder and managing director of independent communications consultancy Fuel Communications and has more than 20 years’ experience as a communications and business consultant.

Says Kieran Moore, WPP AUNZ PR and PA CEO: “Sibling is a totally integrated agency, purpose-built specifically for Westfield/Scentre Group, and we have found in Amanda a strong mix of broad business acumen and proven communications skills which will put her in the perfect position to lead Sibling’s multi-disciplinary team. We are thrilled that she’s joined the group.

“Fleur has been an outstanding leader from launch through to the strong market position it has today. We now see great benefit in taking her agency experience, integration and staff development skills to the broader Group as we look to further develop and nurture our talent.”

Galmes led Fuel Communications from start up to an award winning agency with several Cannes Lions among its accolades.  She has worked on communications strategies for organisations ranging from small, local start-ups through to global leaders and government Instagram, THE ICONIC, Optus, Woolworths Limited, Sodastream, Visa, Caltex, and Salesforce.com. Prior to Fuel, Galmes also held senior positions at sister agency n2n Communications (as director), and Blackie McDonald.

Says Galmes: “I have always been passionate about creating an environment that fosters outstanding collaboration, client relationships and results; a focus shared by Sibling and its talented team. I am looking forward to joining a really diverse team of highly creative, talented people and working in this unique partnership model with Westfield/Scentre Group.”

Marks said whilst it has been an amazing experience developing a truly integrated agency from scratch, she was looking forward to the challenge of developing new initiatives aimed specifically at fostering wellbeing for the expanded WPP AUNZ group.

Says Marks: “Stress and burnout in our industry is high. Developing talent to be better performing professionals while balancing and nurturing individual wellbeing has always been an incredibly important part of my management style. I’m excited by the prospect of taking this approach and developing initiatives that can be utilised by staff across the group, from junior through to executive, and everything in between.”

Marks’ remit includes wellbeing programs, training and development, graduate and scholarships, not for profit support and networking opportunities and a range of other elements to foster existing employees and attract new talent.  She joins an established talent team at WPP AUNZ in her new role.