L-R: Ian Cook James Hannan, Ben Hannan. Credit: SBM
Independent full-service agency SBM has appointed James Hannan CEO, with Ian Cook stepping in as general manager of its Sydney operations.
The appointments come as the agency focuses on combining creative and tech capabilities, including AI production automation and a proprietary martech platform, SBM OS.
Hannan brings two decades of leadership experience across media, marketing and print, having held senior roles at IPMG, Independent Digital Media and Ovato.
“SBM is arguably Australia’s best-kept secret. We have capabilities that are broad, deep, and powerful, but too often, underappreciated,” Hannan said.
“That’s not due to lack of performance, rather a lack of awareness. We not only have the creative talent to deliver eye-catching marketing but the technological capabilities to drive the value of every dollar spent further.”
SBM services clients including The Reject Shop, Aldi and Priceline across creative, production, digital, PR, and print.
It is also expanding its AI-powered martech offer to support retailers under pressure to increase output with tighter budgets.
The agency’s in-house platform SBM OS includes a Digital Asset Management (DAM) module with AI tagging and version control, and a Digital Catalogue Management (DCM) tool offering geo-targeted, shoppable content integrated with ecommerce platforms.
Unlike third-party aggregators, the platform enables brands to retain ownership of data and distribution.
AI enhancements allow SBM to reuse existing collateral by transforming static images, modifying talent or product details, and extending campaign longevity, all aimed at improving cost efficiency and speed to market.
Cook joins from Bastion and BMF, where he was operations director.
He will oversee the Sydney business, which houses teams across marketing, creative, digital, ecommerce and production.
“Joining SBM is an exciting opportunity to help lead the business into its next stage of growth,” Cook said.
“With the diversity of our people and the depth of our marketing capabilities, spanning creative production and martech, now embedded with AI, we’re in a unique position to create real value. It’s a great time to be part of the journey.”
Ben Hannan has also been promoted to the newly created role of chief sales and marketing officer, responsible for sales strategy and brand visibility.
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