Special Group launches third office in Melbourne

New Zealand Independent creative company Special Group has launched its third office, in Melbourne, and hired Paige Prettyman into the newly created role of general manager, Melbourne.

Prettyman joins founding partner, Melbourne – Rebecca Stambanis. Stambanis has been working with Special Group Australia since returning from her 11-year stint in the USA.

Stambanis previously led the strategy for some of the world’s most respected agencies and brands. Including global group strategy director at Wieden+Kennedy in Portland Oregon, global chief strategy officer at TBWA/Media Arts Lab in LA and the group strategy director at Goodby, Silverstein & Partners in San Francisco. She has worked with leading global brands including Nike, Apple, Uber Eats, Nintendo and more.

Both Prettyman (right) and Stambanis (left) will work with the broader team to grow Special Group’s Melbourne offering, which includes locally based clients CUB and newly announced client, Bonds.

Says Tony Bradbourne, CEO/CCO, Special Group: “We opened Special Group Sydney six years ago, something no other New Zealand agency has ever achieved before, and it has grown from strength to strength. Lindsey, Cade, Dave, Tom and Julian are brilliant partners, and are creating some truly amazing work. Melbourne is the next natural step. I’m excited to see what they will create with Paige, Becs and everyone else in the Special team.”

Says Prettyman: “I am thrilled to be joining such an incredible and talented team at Special Group. While there are many things to be excited about, I really look forward to working with Bec to help expand the rapidly growing Melbourne offering.”

Before starting with Special Group Prettyman was a group business director at Clemenger BBDO Melbourne. Previous to her five years at Clemenger BBDO Melbourne, she also held positions at Y&R and Marketforce.

Says Stambanis: “Working with the team at Special Group has felt like coming home. I am over the moon to be working with Lindsey again and feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of the brilliant team at Special Group Australia.”

Speaking of Prettyman’s appointment, Stambanis added: “In addition to being a remarkably nice human, Paige builds incredibly strong partnerships not just with her clients but within the agency as well. Paige is already an asset to the team and I can’t wait to see what the future holds with her in tow.”

Says Lindsey Evans, CEO, Special Group: “In just six years Special Group has built a strong business attracting world class talent from across the globe and Bec and Paige are no exception; their rare skills and knowledge are second to none. Bec and Paige make a phenomenal team and it gives me every pleasure to be on this adventure with them.”

Special Group recently won Best in Show at AWARD, and a Grand Prix at Spikes Asia for Uber Eats ‘Australian Open Ambush’, three Golds at AWARD plus pencils at D&AD and One Show and a Global Effie, one of only three campaigns awarded in 2020, for Tourism New Zealand’s ‘Good Morning World’.