Koala has announced the appointment of Mark Khademi as VP of marketing.
In the role, Khademi will focus on expanding Koala’s brand and business across Australia and will be responsible for customer acquisition, integrated marketing campaigns and all media channels.
He joins the mattress company after his most recent stint Optus, where he held the title of associate director, marketing and acquisition for just over a year.
Before Optus, he was at Amaysim for five years, during which time he served as head of acquisition (mobile), head of digital marketing and. head of marketing.
Khademi was also the chief marketing officer of Australian electricity startup Mojo Power for just over a year.
He said of his new role: “It’s an exciting time for me to be joining such a well-loved Australian brand.
“I’m looking forward to leading the team to continue the phenomenal growth the business has achieved over its first six years as we bring sustainable Australian design to more products and categories,” he added.
Khademi will report to the chief commercial officer Rory Costello.
His addition to the team comes after the role of chief marketing officer was removed following the departure of Peter Sloterdyk from the business in August, after just 16 months in the position.
At the time, a spokesperson for the mattress brand revealed Covid travel restrictions played a part in the decision for the company and Colorado-based Sloterdyk, who had planned to relocate Down Under, to amicably part ways.
The spokesperson said: “Peter Sloterdyk and Koala have parted ways on mutual terms after the ongoing situation with COVID continued to delay his relocation to Australia.”
“We have recently moved to align our strategy closely with ongoing expansion, Koala is now looking for someone who will be able to fill the chief commercial officer role to lead the company’s growth from Australia outwards,” they added.