Edge has announced the promotion of general manager Nicole Gardner to managing director.
This comes as David Stretch steps down as managing director of the independent creative agency after more than 14 years.
Gardner’s promotion into the role is effective immediately.
Stretch welcomed Gardner’s appointment and said: “Nicole is hugely talented and the perfect person to lead the agency.
“As GM, Nic has been instrumental in building strong relationships with our clients and is highly regarded by them and everyone at Edge and the wider industry.”
Gardner said of her appointment: “It’s a privilege to take on leadership of Edge. I’m excited by the opportunity to continue to nurture the team, grow the business and work closely with our clients to deliver hard-working, creative solutions.”
Gardner joined in 2019 as general manager after some time of consulting independently on brand and communications campaigns.
Stretch will move into a role as a non-executive director role responsible for strategic partnerships. He will also take on advisory roles for several tech and start-up businesses.
Last year, the Edge appointed Stu Turner as its new executive creative director and partner. He joined the independent agency after his time at the Royals, where he was ECD across its Melbourne and Sydney offices. Previous ECD roles included time with DDB and Havas.
Turner’s work has received international recognition, picking up more than 100 local and international awards including multiple Grand Prix at Cannes and Spikes, as well as top honours at D&AD. He has won a number of Effies – including the Grand Effie for his work for the Australian Defence Force – while his Palau Pledge work at Havas has received international recognition at multiple award shows.
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Top image: Nicole Gardner and David Stretch