Count muscles up senior marketing ranks

Count has appointed a group head of brand and experiences – a newly created role overseeing the accounting consultancy firm’s brand strategy and marketing functions.

Leah Hitchings, who joins from super fund Rest, will be tasked with driving Count’s overall brand strategy and enhancing brand awareness.

Notching up nearly three and a half years at Rest, Hitchens most recently served as senior business manager, as a direct report to chief member officer Deborah Potts. She also served a two-year stint as Rest’s head of digital.

Hitchings also served as AMP’s head of advice transformation – brand, CX strategy, environment and digital between 2013 and 2016.

Count recognised its latest senior appointee’s “significant brand and marketing expertise”, including her oversight of “significant brand transformation projects” at AMP and advice firm Hillross.

Count chief executive Hugh Humphrey said Hitchings offered a “terrific boost” for the business as it continues its focus on strategic growth following the recent acquisition of accounting and wealth services firm Diverger.

“Leah will be a tremendous asset to Count as we enter this exciting new chapter in our proud 44-year history,” Humphrey said.

“Her understanding of branding, marketing and consumer behaviour will be key in achieving our strategic objectives and supporting our national community of advisers, accountants and their clients.”

Humphrey added: “We’re investing in our brand and improving our service proposition to support our network and provide them with industry-leading events and experiences.

“Leah’s expertise will help us take this focus to a new level.”