SLIK appoints Kim Verbrugghe as managing director to drive innovation-led growth

Independent creative and innovation agency SLIK has appointed Kim Verbrugghe as managing director, as it ramps up efforts to deliver future-facing solutions at the intersection of creativity, technology and customer experience. 

Verbrugghe brings more than 15 years of leadership in strategy and CX, having held senior roles at agencies including Orchard and Deepend, and led large-scale innovation programs at BCG X.ventures. Her remit will include sharpening SLIK’s strategic direction, accelerating growth, and expanding the agency’s capability in areas such as AI, customer experience and commercial innovation.

Working closely with SLIK’s co-founders, Kyle Bennett and Cooper LaPlanche, Verbrugghe will oversee integration of blue ocean innovation strategies, emerging tech and CX frameworks designed to unlock competitive advantage for clients in an increasingly disrupted landscape.

“As the big networks restructure and adapt to stay relevant, we’re rightsized to move fast and design our offering around real client value,” Bennett and LaPlanche said. “The growing role of AI is creating new opportunities for brands to connect with their audiences more effectively, and they're looking for partners who can guide them through this transformation. We're excited to have Kim join us to guide these efforts.”

Verbrugghe has worked with Australian brands from ALDI to Qantas, CBA, Westpac, Hyundai, Merlin Entertainments and HOYTS. Her career spans strategy, product design, innovation and experience leadership, with a focus on delivering growth and transformation in complex environments. 

“We’re entering a new era where access to AI will commoditise execution, which makes innovation and craftsmanship more critical than ever,” Verbrugghe said.

“Our job is to help clients thrive in ambiguity, unlock new growth and build advantages they can own. SLIK has a strong foundation of creative and tech innovation. I’m excited to build on that, push into new spaces, uncover the next big opportunities for our partners, and evolve how we deliver maximum value where it counts.”

Founded 13 years ago, SLIK works with clients including Qantas, Nine, Woolworths Group, nib, Darrell Lea and the NSW Government. Following recent business wins in Victoria, the agency opened a Melbourne office in late 2024.