CX Lavender has promoted Claire Austin and Rusty Nelson to creative director roles.
Austin, a 17-year veteran of the agency, has returned from a year’s maternity leave into the new promotion from her previous role as head of copy.
She began her advertising career at the agency, progressing from her first role as an account executive through the creative ranks. As head of copy she led TOV development and copywriting across all clients, as well as directing conceptual thinking and mentoring and training junior team members.
Nelson, who has been with the agency for eight years, steps up from his previous role of associate creative director. He most recently headed up Headspace’s brand campaign for youth mental health and is a strong mentor for students and members of CX Lavender’s Genus Graduate Program.
Both Austin and Nelson have made significant contributions to the full-service customer experience agency’s client relationships in finding new and innovative creative approaches to customer experiences, and collaborating with clients to creatively solve CX problems.
They will report to CX Lavender ECD and partner, Ryan Stubna.
Stubna said: “Claire and Rusty excel in customer-centric creativity and their experience across various disciplines within the agency has shaped their leadership styles. As we navigate a period of growth in the agency, they are ideally positioned to assume the roles of Creative Directors, guiding us toward new heights in enhancing customer experiences.”
“It really feels like the perfect time to be coming back into the fold after a year’s mat leave,” Austin said. “We’ve got a smart, dedicated team, exciting new business wins and interesting industry changes to navigate – the place of generative AI, for example. I’m so looking forward to harnessing this energy into smart, innovative solutions to client challenges.”
Nelson added: “There’s an infectious energy bubbling out of the creative team right now and some serious momentum in the business’ trajectory. Pair that with the growth in demand for quality CX and the value recognition it’s starting to receive, and it’s fair to say it’s an exciting time to be doing what I do.”
Austin and Nelson’s promotions follow a 12-month period of growth for CX Lavender, which has welcomed a number of new clients including Zambrero, Scenic World, Victoria University, IG Group and Mine Super.
See also: Kim Verbrugghe appointed CSO at CX Lavender
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Top image: Rusty Nelson, Ryan Stubna and Claire Austin