Independent Sydney advertising agency The Works has appointed former Whybin\TBWA national human resources manager Cassie Sacks to lead the development of its ambitious staff.
Sacks will manage the agency’s talent including career planning, training, performance measurement and retention as well recruitment of new staff.
It is the latest senior hire for the agency as it builds on successes in 2012 that resulted in a string of new business wins including Woolworths Everyday Rewards and an increase in headcount.
Damian Pincus, creative partner and founder at The Works said: “Ambition is a key attribute for everyone who is at The Works. It’s manifest in everything we do from the work we produce for our clients to those who bring it to life.
“We’re only ever going to be as good as our people and while all agencies talk about their talent as being the most important thing, it’s surprising that only a small number actually have someone in place that’s tasked with harnessing their most important asset. We’re joining that select few who want their employees to excel professionally and deliver the very best for our clients.
“Cassie is a great addition to our growing team and will help ensure that we have the most ambitious people for what is already shaping up to be another big year at The Works.”
Sacks joins from Whybin\TBWA where she managed HR from October 2010 to December 2012, encompassing a period of renaissance for the Omnicom-‐owned agency that included significant new business growth and Agency of the Year wins for AdNews, B&T and Mumbrella.
Initially looking after its Sydney office, Sacks’ remit was later expanded to cover its Melbourne operation in addition to subsidiary agencies including Tequila/DAN, Integer and Eleven PR, where she implemented a cost-‐saving recruitment strategy. In addition she worked with universities to establish a graduate intern program as well as other HR initiatives.
She is a member of the Communication Councils’ Gender Diversity Group and also established the HR Ring last year that sees HR professionals in the advertising industry meet to share ideas and best practice. She is also a member of Australian Human Resources Institute.
On her decision to join The Works, Sacks said: “It is exciting times to be joining as the agency adds new business and is focused on the development of its talent to best meet the needs of its clients. They have an ambition to be the best place to work and I’m looking forward to helping them build that.”