UK hotshop Karmarama eyes Australian opportunities
UK independent agency Karmarama is eyeing the Australian market as it looks to establish overseas offices, with new executive chairman Jon Wilkins telling Mumbrella “I’d love to establish a foothold Down Under”.
Wilkins, one of the co-founders of Naked Communications, joined the agency late last year and said it would be looking to expand its footprint overseas. The 200-strong ‘digitally centred’ London agency boasts clients including the BBC, BT, Porsche and Virgin Active.
He told Mumbrella: “We are looking at plans to export Karmarama to other markets as the place is really quite special and is comfortably the largest, most digitally centred integrated and independent agency in London. As you know London is a pretty tough market so to do what the crew have done is amazing, and to do that with a real point of view and a lot of soul is even better.
“We have had many approaches already regarding building up offers in other markets, and we are seriously considering all. The team here are progressive and ambitious and have the desire to expand.
“Regarding Asia or Australia I can definitely see the appeal of the Karmarama product to the Australian market. As we all know its all about the talent and also the timing. Personally I’d love to establish a foothold Down Under.”
The agency’s executive creative director is Australian Caitlin Ryan who joined last year, while Wilkins said it also has a number of other senior expats on staff. There are also several former-employees now plying their trade in Australia including M&C Saatchi’s creative technologist James Bush.
Wilkins was one of the three original founders of Naked and helped establish the Australian office, before moving to Sydney from 2009 to 2011 after it was acquired by the Photon Group, now Enero. He quit the agency late last year before taking the role with Karmarama.
Last year US digital giants R/GA established an office in Sydney after picking up work from Qantas, and has since done project work with a number of companies including Telstra, and recently won the Red Bull creative account.
Karmarama’s latest TVC for Virgin Active:
BBC World War One promo:
Alex Hayes and Robin Hicks
Very good opportunity for all.
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If those are their best two spots, I don’t think Aussie agencies have much to fear!
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