Brisbane-based creative agency, Wonderkarma, is expanding its operations into South Australia under the leadership of Stuart Thompson.

The move follows the agency's recent expansion into Vanuatu, led by founder Nick Dean. Thompson will be Head of Client Services for Adelaide, forming part of the agency's new Australian leadership team alongside Tim Kho (General Manager, Brisbane), Justine Morgan (Creative Director, Brisbane), and Alexa Pyke (General Manager, North Queensland).

Thompson, originally from Adelaide, will relocate to establish Wonderkarma South Australia. His aim is to strengthen the agency's national footprint. Thompson said: "Hailing from Adelaide originally, it was always my intention to return and to be able to do so with Wonderkarma at this exciting time of growth for the agency is a dream come true". He further added, "With a significant national client base and major projects reaching all corners of Australia, strengthening the on-ground support we can provide to our clients in central and west Australia is critical for ongoing success."

The Adelaide expansion is modelled after the success of Wonderkarma's North Queensland operation, which started in 2019 as a remote role for Alexa Pyke. Five years later, Wonderkarma North Queensland has grown to a team of four with a client base that includes Great Barrier Reef Foundation, Radiant Life College, Wet Tropics Management Authority, and Play for Purpose. "Via our Cairns-based team, we can deliver world-class creative solutions to Far North Queensland businesses, fuelled by authentic local knowledge and relationships and supported by our 16-strong Brisbane team when required," said Pyke.

"Ironically, for an industry fuelled by creativity and fresh thinking, the advertising industry hasn’t always embraced change and new models of working", said Thompson. "Nick’s philosophy and business success stems from getting the ‘people part’ right first, and the great work and client outcomes follow. Wonderkarma is a business that flexes and grows with the life stages of its team members, ensuring work ‘works’ for everyone."