Sports Design Australia (SDA) has expanded its team with three new hires, increasing its staff to 8 full-time and 10 casual employees across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Adelaide.
Founded less than four years ago, SDA works with sports teams, leagues, broadcasters and brands including Paramount+ Australia, Amazon Prime Video, Netball Australia, Cricket Victoria and New South Wales Rugby League.
Matt Henry joins the agency as Chief Marketing Officer from Signet where he was General Manager, Marketing & Strategy. He has also held senior roles at the NRL, Telstra, Dentsu and WeAreDigital.
Ashley Edwards steps into the role of Project Manager, joining from the AFL, with prior experience at Hawthorn Football Club. The agency also welcomes Will Makepeace as Social Media Manager, joining from Central Coast Mariners. He will lead Paramount+ sport accounts across social platforms.
Ryan Ellul, CEO, said: “Less than a year ago, Sport Design Australia was the three founders based in Sydney, a WhatsApp channel, and way too many late nights. Fast forward to today and we’re a team of 9 full-time, 10 casuals, with presence across four Australian states, plus a global network of ridiculously talented creatives.
Top row L:R – Ashley Edwards, Reece Carter. Second row L:R – Matt Henry, Will Makepeace, Jenna Mobberley, Ryan Ellul. Third Row L:R – Kyle Bennetts, Cassandra Wilkins. Front row – Gerard Laws
“It’s surreal, but certainly not accidental. We’ve been grinding behind the scenes, earning the trust of brands we used to dream about, and building a team of incredible humans who are just as obsessed with the work as we are.
“We’re not the biggest team, but we’re punching above our weight, and we like it that way. The next 18 months will be special.”
SDA has also recently added new clients including the Las Vegas Raiders, NFL Australia/NZ, NBA, NZ Rugby, Tasmania JackJumpers and West Coast Eagles.
Newly appointed CMO, Matt Henry added: “The founders have built something really special in just three years, with a premium portfolio of work for some of the biggest brands in sport.
“What excites me most is the shared vision the business leaders possess to elevate creativity in sports for teams, leagues, athletes and brands and in doing so, improving the quality of the fan experience.
“There’s a real sense that we’re only scratching the surface of what this business can become, and I’m thrilled to be part of shaping the next chapter.”
Top image: Will Makepeace, Gerard Laws, Ashley Edwards and Matt Henry