Virgin Australia welcomes former NAB brand GM as new marketing director

NAB's former GM of brand experience, Michael Nearhos, has been named Virgin Australia’s new marketing director. 

As reported earlier in CMO, Nearhos recently left NAB after the company dropped the GM of brand experience role - and elevated a number of brand managers to report directly to the CMO -  as part of a reshuggle of its marketing function. It was a realignment of the marketing function aimed at improving the way brand experience is managed.

Nearhos, who worked for NAB for five years, helped reposition the MLA brands through initiatives such as the overarching ‘More than Money’ campaign, NAB AFL Mini Legends and NAB AFL Women’s, plus MLC ‘Let’s Save retirement’ and MLC ‘Life Unchanging’ campaigns.

Nearhos has more than 20 years of experience in senior marketing roles at a range of organisations including NAB, Commonwealth Bank Australia, and Interbrand (London) as well as extensive experience in the airlines and hotel industries.

Virgin Australia group executive brand, marketing and public affairs, Danielle Keighery, said she was delighted to appoint Nearhos to the new role.

“Michael has extensive experience with implementing a range of major brand and marketing initiatives and generating significant results across traditional and digital channels.”

Nearhos said he’s thrilled to join Virgin Australia and looking forward to working with such an iconic brand.

“Virgin Australia is an exciting and innovative brand and I can’t wait to work with the team and continue to deliver great results for the business.”

He starts the role in early September.

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