Designworks strengthens leadership with two senior hires

Both Gregory and Kumar are New Zealanders returning home after building international careers

Designworks has appointed Anna Gregory as Head of Strategy and Vinesh Kumar as Creative Director as the Auckland-based brand design agency continues to develop its leadership team and expand its strategic and creative capabilities.

The appointments take effect immediately, with both executives reporting to Managing Partner Megan D'Audney, who has led the agency since February. Gregory and Kumar will support the agency's next phase of growth as it responds to changing market demands.

Global experience returns to New Zealand

Both Gregory and Kumar are New Zealanders returning home after building international careers. Gregory spent 15 years in the United States, while Kumar most recently held creative leadership roles in London and New York.

Megan D'Audney, Managing Partner at Designworks: "Our ambition has never been simply to keep pace, but to actively redefine what brand transformation looks like in this region. To do that, we need a calibre of talent that can challenge the status quo.

"Bringing Vinesh and Anna into our leadership fold is a massive coup. Their collective experience operating at the absolute highest levels in London, New York, Seattle and LA ecosystem brings a global perspective back home. Beyond their exceptional craft, they both share a relentless drive for high-impact, simplified storytelling."

Gregory to lead strategic direction

As Head of Strategy, Gregory will oversee strategy across Designworks' local and international client portfolio. Her background includes research, product design and brand leadership, having worked with companies including Starbucks, Apple, Microsoft and Amazon.

Anna Gregory, Head of Strategy, Designworks: "Having worked inside the tech design space in the US, I know that great creative work relies on incredibly sharp, fearless strategy. The ambition here at Designworks to bridge the gap between complex business strategy and beautiful customer experiences is exactly the kind of challenge I want to tackle. We are here to make an impact, and the energy in this team is incredibly exciting."

Kumar takes creative leadership role

As Creative Director, Kumar will lead the agency's creative output, combining experience in global design systems with work for local clients.

Vinesh Kumar, Creative Director at Designworks: "I believe in building distinctive, enduring brand systems through tight, highly collaborative, and hungry teams. Designworks has an extraordinary legacy, but what excited me most about joining Megan and Anna is the vision for where we are taking the studio next."

www.designworks.com

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