Steph O'Donnell has been appointed as the new Head of Investment at Initiative Melbourne, a significant move that also sees her joining the Senior Leadership Team at the agency.

Reporting directly to Chief Partnerships & Investment Officer, Paige Wheaton, O'Donnell's immediate role will be to lead the market's investment product across the entire investment ecosystem.

O'Donnell's appointment comes after a successful tenure as VIC Group Investment Director at Carat. With a decade of experience in media investment under her belt, she has held senior roles at Spark Foundry, Match Media, and Starcom, demonstrating a strong track record in the industry.

"We have found that in Steph, her market reputation reflects our desire to hire the best talent in market. Steph is already an established leader; the depth and breadth of her media partnerships are legendary and her passion and genuine desire to produce unique and best in class work sets us up for success in driving Initiative's investment product into the future," said Wheaton.

Wheaton also highlighted O'Donnell's strategic acumen, stating, "Steph will be a critical partner to me and her strategic acumen and counsel will undoubtedly play a pivotal role on our senior leadership team."

O'Donnell expressed her excitement about the new role, stating, "I am thrilled to be joining Initiative Melbourne at such a transformative time. They are an ambitious team with a hunger to lead the market in product and processes and are poised to take advantage of Melbourne's burgeoning market."

She also expressed her anticipation of working with Wheaton and MD, Sarah James.

"Paige is well known in market for being at the peak of her craft and having the opportunity to work alongside her and MD, Sarah James is indeed an honour. I'm excited to develop Melbourne's investment team and our product and at the same time elevating our media partnerships and producing outstanding client campaigns. It's an exciting time to join the agency."

O'Donnell's appointment is effective immediately.