Howatson + Company have announced the appointment of Dom Hickey as chief strategy officer.
Hickey was previously head of planning at DDB, working across Westpac, J&J, Coles, Unilever and Domain.
She led the strategy on Westpac’s life moments, the award-winning Matriarchs campaign for Carefree and the Australian launch of Tylenol, and has worked across every dimension of marketing, from brand transformation to brand experience.
Hickey also previously worked at CX Lavender as planning director and at Wunderman as head of planning.
She contributes regularly to the industry, judging at AMEs, Award and Effies. She also teaches strategy at Ad School and was the strategy instructor at the Miami Ad School.
Hickey also co-founded and is the co-host of The Junior Mafia, a podcast that gives a voice to young talent in creative industries.
Her work has been recognised at all major award shows including the Effies, Cannes, AWARD, Spikes and Caples.
Chris Howatson, founder and CEO, said of the appointment: “We searched globally, but as is so often the case, the very best person is living right next door. We’ve known each other for many years, but now have the pleasure of being teammates.
“Dom’s the perfect strategy leader. She’s a modern planner, empathic to all marketing disciplines and importantly how they come together across the brand and customer experience.
“Her first career was in the police force as a crime scene photographer. What a way to start a career in understanding human behaviour,” he added.
Hickey said of her new role: “I’ve been watching Howatson+Company from afar, and I’m delighted to get the chance to join them.
“It’s an incredible team of lovely people, smart, sharp and on the tools. I’m excited about the work we can bring into the world by collaborating across all disciplines in one place,” she added.
Hickey’s appointment comes after it was announced last week that Richard Shaw and Jeremy Hogg joined Howatson + Company, both as executive creative directors, after leaving CHEP Network.