DDB NZ bolsters agency with new additions Thinza Mon, Karla Fisher and Kate Lines

DDB NZ has welcomed back two familiar faces Thinza Mon (right) and Karla Fisher (centre) and has added another top talent Kate Lines (left) to bolster its Auckland-based team.

Mon rejoins DDB NZ following more than four years freelancing, working on clients such as NZ Rugby, Coca-Cola Oceania and PwC. Mon, who previously enjoyed a four-year stint at DDB, has returned as senior strategic planner.

Rupert Price, DDB chief strategy officer, says Mon’s strategic nous and passion for driving growth for clients will be felt immediately.

Says Price: “Thinza is an exceptional talent and we’re really pleased she’s decided to work with us again. Her commitment to client delivery is well-known and we’re looking forward to the positive contributions we know she’ll make.”

Fisher has also rejoined the DDB NZ team after five years away from Greys Ave. Fisher takes up the role of lead business partner on McDonald’s.

Justin Mowday, DDB CEO, says having worked on the McDonald’s business previously means Karla’s experience and familiarity with one of DDB’s long-held clients is a huge advantage.

Says Mowday: “Karla returns to DDB after five years running the Vodafone business at FCB, and we’re thrilled to successfully entice her back home. We never wanted her to go. Karla is one of the best strategic minds in the business, she cares deeply about her clients and the work, and can deftly manage large and complex pieces of business. Karla’s a great personality to have in the building, and she adds something special to the agency.”

Fisher says she is excited to be back and working with familiar faces: “So much has changed, yet so little has changed; in some ways, it feels like I never left. DDB has held a place in my heart for some time now and I have long admired the work coming out of the agency. Now I get the chance to mingle with this extraordinary pool of talent again.”

Also joining the team is Kate Lines, following stints at FCB New Zealand, Saatchi & Saatchi, Colenso BBDO and Special Group. Lines has held several senior agency positions in Auckland and also worked agency-side in London.

Lines takes up the position of lead business partner, working with clients such as Lotto and AAI.

Says Lines: “I’m really excited to be at DDB. I admire the work coming out of Greys Ave, and the people who have made that work happen. There is real passion for clients’ business and the results achieved across a succession of outstanding campaigns is impressive.  I’m enjoying getting stuck in and we’ve got more great work in the pipeline.”

Says Justin: “We are thrilled to have Kate join the team at DDB. She has extensive experience at helping guide clients into the digital world, she’s a strong strategic thinker, and has a natural drive to make fast progress on any project. Kate’s smarts and energy will be highly valued by DDB and our clients alike. Fittingly for our culture, she also happens to be one of the nicest people in advertising.

“Together Karla and Kate are two of the most accomplished, clever and likeable new generation of leaders in the advertising industry. We’re lucky to have them at DDB.”