Pacific Retail Group Beefs Up Brand Team

Pacific Retail Group Beefs Up Brand Team

Pacific Retail Group (NZSE: PRG) has expanded its marketing team with the creation of three new brand manager roles. Ed Hayes has been appointed brand manager for Noel Leeming; Michelle Rowell for Bond & Bond; and Jo Brothers for Big Byte.

Ed Hayes, Noel Leeming Brand Manager, will be responsible for driving sales and the overall championing of the Noel Leeming brand, including directing all marketing activities and seizing opportunities for brand growth and development. Two strategic expansions include the recently launched Noel Leeming online store, www.noelleeming.co.nz, and Noel Leeming furniture stores, which opened last month in Manukau and Botany Downs.

“I’m enthusiastic about expanding the strategies and channels we use to support, extend and enhance the Noel Leeming brand,” says Hayes.

Hayes was previously the Marketing Manager Content and New Media for Vodafone New Zealand. Prior to that he worked in senior sales and marketing roles with technology, music and entertainment companies, including Sony, Network Entertainment and Virgin Records.

In her new role as Bond & Bond Brand Manager, Michelle Rowell will be responsible for the strategic brand direction for Bond & Bond, including brand development, communication strategies, sponsorship and event management. The latter involves Bond & Bond’s tier one sponsorship of the New Zealand Vodafone Warriors.
“Bond & Bond offers major market leading brands at unbeatable prices with 37 stores nationwide,” says Rowell. “The purpose of our brand strategy is simple: You Won’t Beat A Bonds Deal! The Bond & Bond team are vibrant, enthusiastic and have a high level of product knowledge.”

Michelle was most recently the Marketing Manager – Product at PRG before being promoted into her current role. Previously she worked in trade marketing and account management roles at Gillette New Zealand Ltd. She holds a BA (Sociology) and Dip Bus (Marketing).

Jo Brothers, Brand Manager Big Byte, takes responsibility for Big Byte’s marketing strategy to build brand awareness, leadership, demand and preference for the Big Byte technology superstores, products and services.

“I’m charged with ensuring the development of the differentiated positioning that Big Byte now enjoys within the New Zealand computing market. Big Byte is focused on providing integrated solutions and product for both the B2B & B2C markets,” says Brothers.

Jo was previously Business Development Manager at EstarOnline, where her responsibilities included all aspects of business development, marketing, promotions and channel relationships. Prior to that she has worked in strategic Sales & Marketing roles for Brave New World, Monster.com, and TMP worldwide, and lectured for the NZQA New Zealand E-marketing Certificate.

John Milford, General Manager Retail for Pacific Retail Group says PRG is a high-performance organisation that attracts quality people.

“PRG has a portfolio of leading brands across a wide range of consumer product categories, and the strategic management of these brands is paramount to our long-term business performance,” says Milford. “Formalising our brand management roles marks a significant milestone in our company’s development. We’re thrilled that Ed, Michelle and Jo have chosen to further their careers with PRG.”

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