TRA Adds Two to Senior Leadership Team

In New Zealand, research and insights agency TRA has appointed Irena Bakker as Head of People and Capability, while Stephen Churchman joins as Head of Design.

Auckland-based TRA, which opened its first Australian office in Melbourne last year, offers a range of services including research, strategy, behavioural science, cultural analysis, data and analytics, design and new venture development. Bakker joins from global marcomms giant WPP, where she most recently served as Head of HR & Talent NZ for WPP AUNZ, responsible for developing and implementing HR and talent strategies, best practice recruitment processes and change management skills. Churchman joins with a combination of global and ANZ experience, most recently as Head of Creative at Les Mills US, and earlier in design roles at Saatchi & Saatchi NZ and DDB NZ.

Both positions have responsibilities across TRA Business Group, which includes the firm's Australian and New Zealand offices, social media insights and listening tool Zavy, and SME brand health platform, Tracksuit. TRA MD Andrew Lewis comments: 'People are at the core of what we do here at TRA. I am confident that in Irena we have found a dynamic leader who can leverage her extensive experience to ensure TRA delivers on this promise and continues to attract, retain and develop the best talent across ANZ'.

'Design is part of TRA's DNA - it illuminates insight, and our award-winning design team is one of the best in the business. There is no more experienced designer capable of crafting brand identity and experiences through strategic insight than Stephen, and we're delighted he has returned to his home turf and joined our team'.

Web site: www.theresearchagency.com .