Full-service media agency Bench Media has announced two senior promotions, reinforcing its focus on leadership, culture and operational rigour as the business looks to support long-term client success.
The promotions see Nicole Jurke elevated to head of people and culture, joining the agency’s management team, while Ting Zhang steps into the role of financial controller. Both appointments take effect immediately.
Doubling down on people and culture
In her expanded remit, Jurke will focus on attracting, developing and retaining high-performing talent, with the aim of ensuring clients continue to benefit from long-tenured teams, deep category expertise and consistent senior involvement.
Her role also includes strengthening the employee experience, embedding clear processes and fostering an environment where teams feel supported to produce their best work.
Bench says this approach aligns with its broader ambition to be recognised as both a best place to work and one of the best agencies to work with.
Approaching nine years at Bench, Jurke has played a central role in shaping what the agency describes as a people-first culture that directly supports stronger and more consistent outcomes for clients.
Bench Media co-founder and COO Shai Luft said the promotion reflects the agency’s long-term view of client partnerships.
“Nicole’s promotion reinforces Bench’s commitment to providing clients with experienced, highly engaged teams who remain invested in their businesses over the long term,” Luft said.
“Bench’s staff retention rate is more than twice the industry average, giving clients confidence in stable relationships, deep knowledge and consistent delivery.”
Jurke said she was proud of the culture the agency has built.
“I’m incredibly proud of the culture we’ve built at Bench and excited to extend my remit as we continue strengthening the foundations that allow our people, and in turn, our clients, to thrive,” she said. “Bench has always believed that great work starts with great people.”
Strengthening financial leadership
Bench has also promoted Zhang to financial controller, where she will lead relationships with financial institutions, client finance teams and insurance partners, while continuing to embed financial governance, transparency and commercial discipline across the business.
A key focus of Zhang’s expanded role will be maintaining the clear billing processes and practical commercial approach that Bench says clients value, supporting faster decision-making and smoother campaign execution.
During her six-year tenure, Zhang has been credited with demonstrating strong commercial judgement and a clear understanding of how financial operations underpin effective client delivery.
“These promotions reflect Bench’s ongoing investment in its people and operations to deliver better outcomes for clients,” Luft said.
“Nicole and Ting are great examples of the culture we have built at Bench: long-tenured, deeply knowledgeable and driven by a genuine can-do attitude.”
Top image: Ting Zhang, Nicole Jurke, Shai Luft