Georgia Coleman returns to NZ to head up Aruga NZ in newly created country manager role

Aruga has appointed Georgia Coleman to head up its New Zealand office in the newly created role of country manager, which officially launched in July 2020.

Kiwi-born Coleman has relocated to Auckland following her most recent Sydney-based role as communications director – PR lead at integrated marketing agency B.B.E, where she was integral in establishing and building the public relations and content divisions within the agency.

Coleman has a reputation as an engaging and forward-thinking communications professional with deep knowledge and expertise across a variety of sectors, and extensive experience working for agencies in New Zealand, Australia and the UK.

Says Adam Brunes, co-founder, Aruga: “Georgia embodies the spirit of Aruga – instinctively entrepreneurial, culturally connected and a person you’d definitely share a beer with.

“When we found out she was planning to return home to Auckland, it was as if the planets had aligned. She’s had incredible success building teams from the ground up and with experience in Australia, the UK and at home in New Zealand, we know she will prove a force to be reckoned with.”

In her role as country manager, Coleman brings her background leading integrated PR, content and social media campaigns across FCMG, travel and arts with consumer, B2B, corporate and government clients to implement strategic communications and lead and grow the Aruga NZ team.

Says Coleman: “I want to bring a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to the role, using the knowledge and experience gleaned from my time abroad to produce exceptional work that is recognised in the industry and creates noise for our clients.

“I’m looking forward to expanding on what co-founders Donna and Adam have established with Aruga in Australia and bringing that to New Zealand, following my strategy-first approach underpinned by Aruga’s mantra of leading with creativity.”

Aruga NZ co-founders Lew and Louise Bentley celebrated the company’s first anniversary this month, having already distinguished itself in the local market attracting a roster of stellar foundation clients, including Jayco, Chantal Organics, Savar, Boutique Beauty Brands, Healtheries, Waiheke Distilling Co and FRANKiE4, as well as launching cross-Tasman campaigns for the likes of Tourism and Events Queensland and Foot Locker.

Says Bentley: “It has been a seminal year for Aruga, in the age of COVID, we are very grateful for those clients that shared our vision to come on board. Having Georgia choose Aruga to commence the next chapter of her stellar career is a reflection of that great campaign work as the platform for the opportunities yet to come.”