Claire Backhouse returns home to join YoungShand as strategy director

Off the back of recent account wins, including Oceania Healthcare and Hellers, YoungShand has announced the appointment of Claire Backhouse as its new strategy director.

Returning to New Zealand after an extended period in London, Backhouse brings over 17 years’ experience to the YoungShand team.

Most recently a senior strategist at Wunderman Thompson London, she led brand, CRM and loyalty strategy on the global Shell account. Backhouse’s agency experience is balanced with strong client-side roles at Cadbury, PlayStation, Red Bull and Universal Pictures, where she developed major campaigns for the UK and European markets.

Says Duncan Shand, co-founder and managing director, YoungShand: “Claire’s modern branding approach fits perfectly with the style of work we’re looking to create. We believe in the power of brand building, coupled with what’s possible today through data and digital to create more engaging brand experiences. Claire will play a major role in helping us move our clients’ brands forward.”

Says Backhouse: “Getting to know your audience and defining insights that inform creative is critical to delivering excellent results for brands. With today’s digital landscape, we have access to knowledge and insights that marketers in the past could only dream of.

“I’m excited about joining an agency that’s going in the right direction. The creative work they’ve produced this year has been really strong, and I’m looking forward to pushing this even further with the talented YS team.”