Ryvalmedia names Sam Cousins National Head of Strategy and Product

Ryvalmedia has appointed former Wavemaker Chief Strategy Officer Sam Cousins as its first National Head of Strategy and Product, a newly created role spanning strategy, product innovation, and the agency’s AI and data capabilities.

Cousins will report to Ryvalmedia National Managing Director Kenny Stewart, with the appointment effective immediately.

Strategy and product remit

Cousins joins from WPP’s Wavemaker, where she was Chief Strategy Officer.

Before Wavemaker, she was the first Chief Strategy Officer at both The Media Store and iProspect, and also led strategy for dentsu X.

In the new role, Cousins will oversee the development of Ryvalmedia’s strategic client offering, product innovation and commercial go-to-market strategy.

She will also work with the executive leadership team on integrating AI, technology and data capabilities across the agency, drawing on capabilities within the broader Cosmo5 Group.

Stewart said: “We’re very excited to be welcoming someone of Sam’s respected stature, experience and capability to the Ryvalmedia national family.

“Benefiting from Sam's enthusiasm, energy and strategic leadership in how we leverage and galvanise our considerable Cosmo5 Group AI, tech and data service capabilities can only strengthen and enhance our teams’ ability to continue to deliver progressive work for our clients nationally."

‘Next era’ for Ryvalmedia

Cousins said the role would combine traditional brand strategy with the growing use of AI and data.

“I'm excited to help take Ryvalmedia into its next era, combining the human understanding and real-world brand experiences that great strategy is built on, with the power of AI and data to move faster and smarter.”

Ryvalmedia operates offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and is part of Cosmo5.