Ian Benet joins Eleven as group account director; Ellie Ashdown joins in account manager role

Eleven PR, a division of TBWA has expanded its team with the recruitment of two new staff to bolster its offering in disruptive communications.

Ian Benet (left) has joined as group account director and is tasked with leading a number of key accounts in the travel, entertainment and technology space. He has previously spent more than four years with Mango Communications and brings a wealth of experience, both from his time there and in the UK.

Joining Benet is another UK import, Ellie Ashdown (centre). Formerly of Drum, Ashdown joins as an account manager with previous experience in beauty, technology and FMCG sectors.

As part of advertising agency TBWA\New Zealand, Benet is enthusiastic about the opportunities for growth at Eleven PR.

Says Benet: “The positive trajectory of the agency really caught my attention. There’s a real excitement about the place that I’m eager to be part of and help define.

“With the merging of disciplines there are now more opportunities than ever for PR to be at the forefront of great creative. No longer is PR just tacked onto the end of a campaign, instead it’s a must have that’s the marker of success.”

Benet and Ashdown won’t be the only hires Eleven PR is making this winter. With senior account manager Lauren McCarthy heading to the UK, the agency is on the lookout for a replacement to further strengthen its growing account team.

Says Catherine Harris, managing director, TBWA: “We are committed to growing the Eleven PR offering and investing in great talent, so watch this space.”

Eleven PR managing director Angelina Farry (right) said the new hires were an example of the agency’s ambition and ability.

Says Farry: “Both Ian and Ellie have a drive to succeed and a strong creative streak that supports how we define ourselves as an agency. Whether working indirectly or as part of the wider TBWA New Zealand group, Eleven PR has the expertise and insight to disrupt the consumer conversation in a meaningful way for brands. With a couple of new wins to soon announce and more staff to recruit, it’s an exciting time to be here.”