Former Kalooma MD to rescue Yoobee

Yoobee, Renaissance's new-look retail brand, has bagged former Kalooma (bought out by Connector Systems last November) Managing Director Lindy Shuttleworth to manage its retail and brand strategies, with a possible re-branding of Renaissance's schools division imminent.

Shuttleworth brings 20 years experience in executive level roles with advertising agencies in Hong Kong, Singapore and Auckland, including Generator Bates and IdeaWorks, which both specialise in retail marketing. She will be based at the company's Quay Street office, in Auckland.

She moved into post as Managing Director of M&C Saatchi's retail division after IdeaWorks closed its New Zealand office in 2009. M&C Saatchi then won the Warehouse Stationery account from IdeaWorks, shortly after Shuttleworth's arrival.

Renaissance's Chief Marketing Officer, Warwick Grey, looks to have taken a sidestep from the responsibilities afforded to him in July 2010. A move to the company's Onehunga base will see him focus on its channel business. Grey will now work with newly-promoted National Channel Manager Jaynean Leaupepe, who took over from Brett Hjorth after he resigned in January.

Going forward the Renaissance brand will remain alongside the recently-launched Yoobee brand, with Renaissance sticking to channel and direct services, while Yoobee will increasingly become the company’s retail face.