Initiative Australia has promoted Emma Greenhalgh to the role of National Head of Communications Design, replacing Ryan Haeusler, who is set to depart in October after close to nine years with the IPG Mediabrands agency.

Greenhalgh has more than a decade of industry experience, having held roles at Atomic 212, The Brag Media and Mediacom before joining Initiative in 2021. She has been Head of Communications Design for the agency's Sydney team since October 2023.

"I am incredibly excited to take on this new role and lead the communications design team at Initiative. I am passionate about helping brands connect with their audiences in meaningful ways, and I look forward to working with our talented team across Australia to build innovative and impactful solutions," said Greenhalgh.

In her new role, Greenhalgh will remain based in Sydney, and will report to National Strategy Director, Thomas Dodd.

"Emma has become an integral part of how we deliver Comms Planning at Initiative, developing industry leading & award-winning work across IAG that has become the benchmark for this agency. Her depth of knowledge, craft and care makes Emma a natural choice to lead the Comms Planning product across the agency in her newly appointed role," said Dodd.

CEO of IPG Mediabrands Australia and interim CEO of Initiative Australia, Mark Coad, said: "Emma’s appointment is testament to her outstanding talent and dedication to delivering innovative and effective communications design solutions. Her deep understanding of the media landscape and ability to connect with clients will be invaluable as Initiative continues to drive Fame and Flow for market leading brands across Australia."