TEAM
Vivian Bryant – Director & MD
A Graphic Designer by trade, Vivian established Brand Spanking in the spare room of a Ponsonby flat in 2002. She has been the constant force in the agency’s evolution and has garnered widespread respect from both clients and industry peers over the last 15 years, playing a key role in the evolution of the Comms Council’s PRESCOM (PR, Experiential and Social Committee) and regularly judging at the EFFIES, Beacons and Marketing Awards. Today she retains a major shareholding and heads up key client accounts including Dyson, Asahi, T&G Global, Hutchinson’s and Tesla.
Outside of work, Vivian raises two children with her husband Nathan and now lives back in Ponsonby, where it all started. Her past life includes a six-year stint in Japan and stunt work in films and television shows such as King Kong and Xena.
Jeremy Hunt – Director & CFO
Jeremy merged his campus marketing operation into Brand Spanking in 2004 and continues to hold a major stake in the agency. As well as being Brand Spanking’s CFO he oversees major accounts including Nespresso, Cottonsoft, and MARS, and takes a particular interest in sponsorship work for clients like Gatorade. At an industry level, he was the Treasurer of EMANZ (the Experiential Marketing Association of NZ) for many years and has judged awards such as the EFFIES and the NZ Radio Awards.
Jeremy moved to Havelock North in 2010 and is visiting us less and less these days, though still finds time to gloat about the sunshine and lack of traffic in “the Bay”. Dig deep into his past and you’ll find everything from a degree in Swedish to time spent lecturing corporate strategy at the University of Auckland Business School.
Emma Winitana – General Manager
With over 14 years at Brand Spanking, Emma has progressed from Talent Booker to General Manager, collaborating with global brands such as L’Oréal, Nike, Dyson, Frucor, and Western Union on impactful experiential campaigns. She has led key projects including bringing international artists into the country for Pepsi Party House and hosting the American Football team on behalf of Nike during the Football World Cup.
Outside of work, Emma is a proud parent to two children. She enjoys competing in fitness and sporting events like half marathons and Hyrox competitions, activities that keep her physically active while instilling the discipline and perseverance she brings to her professional life.
Zelda Botes – Account Manager
With nearly 20 years of experience in New Zealand’s experiential marketing scene, Zelda brings deep expertise across every corner of the industry. From working client side to booking shifts, packing kits, staffing, and gathering feedback, there’s little she hasn’t done. She thrives on turning client ideas and budgets into seamless, high impact activations, finding satisfaction in bringing it all together.
When she’s not deep in campaign logistics, Zelda enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking outdoors, crafting, and getting lost in a good book. A passionate flower lover, she recently completed her Level 2 floristry qualification and delights in creating bouquets from her garden to gift and share.
Chelsea Martin – Account Manager
Armed with a conjoint degree in Law and Business and a background in bartending, Chelsea began her journey at Brand Spanking as a Brand Ambassador and has worked her way up to Account Manager. She thrives in fast-paced environments that keep her on her toes, enjoys meeting people, solving problems, and making things happen. Her determination shines through in all she does.
When she’s off the clock, Chelsea lifts weights at the gym, chases waves with a snorkel in tow, and carves up ski slopes. She’s also known for her love of the “double Gs”: gin and garlic bread, which perfectly reflects her vibrant and spirited nature.
Katrina Lousi – Account Manager
Katrina rejoined the team in 2023, having previously worked here from 2014 to 2016. She now thrives in an Account Manager role, splitting her time between Hamilton and the Auckland head office. Drawing on her previous experience as a Talent Coordinator, Katrina brings strong organisation and attention to detail to every project.
With early roots in the performing arts industry including studying in Sydney and a career as a professional dancer, Katrina has always been drawn to creativity and expression. Her diverse experience also includes performing on cruise ships across Australia and the South Pacific, working in the fashion industry, and balancing life as a proud mum to four wonderful sons.
Jane Lai – Talent Manager
Jane is Brand Spanking’s Talent Manager and a natural perfectionist. She began her career as a Talent Coordinator for Auckland Transport during university. After four years with the company, she took a 1.5-year break before returning to lead the Talent team. Jane is passionate about building genuine relationships with brand ambassadors and lives by Brand Spanking’s motto that talent is never an afterthought. She speaks three languages and is gradually adding French to her repertoire.
On weekends, Jane enjoys watching Formula 1, dining at Auckland’s finest spicy restaurants, and baking something sweet.
Libby Catchpole – Talent Coordinator
Libby joined Brand Spanking in 2019 as one of the original Dyson Brand Ambassadors and now works as the Talent Coordinator for Auckland. With a background as a freelance artist, she brings a creative spark and sharp eye to everything she does. Originally from Hamilton but now a certified JAFA, Libby plays a key role in keeping the Auckland talent pool thriving. She knows what it takes to shine in the field and is passionate about finding and supporting great people.
When she’s not working, Libby’s likely enjoying a glass of wine, catching up with friends, or planning her next creative project.
Bella Nola – Activations Coordinator
Bella started her journey as a Brand Ambassador and quickly progressed to become Brand Spanking’s Activations Coordinator. Her mission is to prioritise comfort and wellbeing for Brand Ambassadors, ensuring everyone has what they need and a smile on their face at all times.
In her downtime, Bella enjoys creating music and spinning on the decks, embracing genres from UKG to House with energy and passion. She also has a flair for manicuring and is often seen with fresh, funky polish, adding a creative touch to her style.
Bayleigh Colbert – Operations Coordinator
In her role as Operations Coordinator at Brand Spanking, Bayleigh keeps the wheels turning behind the scenes on every campaign, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Hailing from Gisborne and further shaped by her academic journey at the University of Otago in Dunedin, she brings a steady focus and adaptable mindset to her work. Bayleigh thrives on the variety the job offers and enjoys the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of the role, always ready to tackle new challenges.
Beyond the workday, she enjoys social outings with friends, spending time at the beach, and staying active, consistently bringing a positive energy to the team.
Nicole Kelly – Assests and Channels Manager
Nicole is Brand Spanking’s powerhouse Assets and Channels Manager. Originally from Auckland but shaped by her university years in Dunedin, Nicole is the go-to person for making things happen and keeping projects on track. She thrives in a dynamic environment where she can manage timelines, organise assets, and support the team.
When she’s not at work, Nicole enjoys spending time at the beach, attending music festivals, and staying active through sports, especially if there’s a good game on. Easy-going and energetic, she brings a great sense of humour and positivity to the team.
Nikki Williams – Waikato and Bay of Plenty Coordinator
Nikki started at Brand Spanking as a Brand Ambassador at events and activations, a role she still enjoys being part of today. She now coordinates the Waikato and Bay of Plenty areas, working closely with talent to create impactful and memorable campaigns. Nikki also enjoys making cheeky TikTok videos that bring a fun edge to her work and help connect with the team.
Beyond work, she stays busy with creative projects and cooking in the kitchen, always bringing enthusiasm, passion, and a spark of creativity to everything she does.
Rachael Knight – Lower North Island Coordinator
With 14 years leadership experience as an FMCG Territory Manager, Rachael then embraced an adventurous eight years in California, balancing a vibrant lifestyle with hands-on events and promotional work. Now a dedicated Coordinator, she excels at providing her team with the support and tools to perform at their best, thriving on seeing others confident and successful.
Away from work, Rachael loves long walks with her dogs and nurturing her 8-acre property with ambitions of self-sufficiency. Deeply committed to animal welfare, she has fostered over 130 dogs and puppies, making a lasting impact.
Rissa McDowell – South Island Coordinator
Before joining Brand Spanking, Rissa worked across government, agency, and customer-focused environments throughout Australasia and the US, where she developed a passion for creating memorable experiences and keeping things running smoothly. As a Coordinator, she loves being hands-on from start to finish, thriving in the fast-paced environment alongside a supportive, creative team. Rissa is passionate about staying organised, keeping things upbeat, and ensuring everything is on brand.
Beyond work, she stays active with sport and gym sessions and enjoys exploring new food spots.