Yoke’s General Manager Ben has worked with some of the world’s leading brands over the course of a working life spanning over twenty years.
Ben is guided by a firm understanding that good design is more important than ever as digital channels become dominant in both business and communication. He’s applied that principle to brands including Libra, Chandon, The Australian Ballet, Heart Foundation and Bonds.
A production and organiser extraordinaire, Yoke’s General Manager Pauline is the person you rely on when you’re on a deadline. After finishing a creative writing and literature degree, she has been immersed in the world of creatives for nearly a decade as a Studio Manager, Account Director and Design Director. Pauline has Melbourne’s agency suppliers on speed dial on her phone, specialising in luxury property marketing, print and production, and has steered accounts for clients such as The GPT Group, CBRE, Charter Keck Cramer and Museums Victoria.
Richie joined Yoke as creative director in 2012. An advertising fanatic with a background in writing and journalism, he’s just as at home crafting copy as he is creating and shaping new brands. Often found staring at a blank page looking for a good idea.
Melbourne native Marah fuses together the ideal elements of the perfect account director. Super organised, with a profound love for strategic application of ideas and creative, her friendly, positive attitude allows her to approach all aspects of her work with confidence, passion and resolution. She brings extensive experience in media, publishing and advertising, including working on through-the-line account services for global FMCGs. Marah is a welcome addition on any project personnel.
Raised on the road up and down Australia’s east coast, Matt originally studied design and visual art before swapping layers of colour for lines of code and moving into the world of web development. With a foot in both camps, he knows what it takes to deliver pixel perfect working websites that look and feel the business. A musician and a sound engineer, Matt keeps his pick sharp and his talents in tone by playing in a few local bands
As Yoke’s Digital Marketing Strategist, Luke excels at ensuring the right marketing message is presented to strategically targeted audiences. He takes a data-driven approach to marketing, ensuring that insights inform campaigns and campaigns are driven by ROI. Luke understands digital channels inside and out – whether it’s social media, marketing automation, EDM, SEO, SEM, PPC or any other acronym, he has the experience and know-how to distribute your marketing message and maximize your returns.
Elizabeth (or Xabe to those in the know) started her love affair with design after falling for the allure of artistic illustration and typography. After two years spent at an ad agency in Sydney crafting creative comms for large clients including Vodafone and BlackBerry, she made the move to Melbourne and rekindled her relationship with design. A graphic artist with a love for neon and vintage sci-fi, Elizabeth specialises in branding and digital design with particular expertise in the property industry.
Former dance instructor Nikko knows how to pull off the right moves when it comes to design. Having worked on a wide range of projects spanning fashion, hospitality, retail and property, his love for a clean crisp aesthetic always hits the spot. With a strong background in print and a particular passion for UX and UI, there’s little this versatile virtuoso can’t turn his hand to.
Following her degree in Communication Design at RMIT, Alex began working at a national art publication before taking her seat here at Yoke. Known for her considered and informed approach to her work, Alex combines an enduring aesthetic with modern tools and technologies, moving seamlessly through different styles with a few careful clicks of her track pad.
Yuki started off working in the not-for-profit sector before his love for good deeds turned to a love for good dev. Truly a global citizen, he has lived and worked all over the world and prides himself on transforming digital design into meticulously matched interactive web applications. His eye for looking good also carries through to his dress sense – definitely Yoke’s most stylish team member.
When it comes to manning the helm of the good ship Yoke, our office administrator Stefanie is more than up to the task. After studying Communication Design in her native Melbourne, Stef kicked off her career in professional organisation, skilling up on everything you need to know when keeping a business running smooth and looking sharp. Away from the front desk, Stef can be found sourcing the best of Melbourne’s brunch time spots.
Born and bred across the Tasman, Yoke’s Digital Producer Joel didn’t stay in his NZ nest for long. A talented tri-lingual and qualified History and English teacher, he spent his early work years travelling and working in Europe and Asia, including a long time spent in Japan, a country close to his heart. Here at Yoke, Joel helps successfully steer our digital projects across the often choppy channels of the development process.
When it comes to firing on all cylinders, Yoke’s Senior Account Director Holly wields a wide-ranging arsenal. Highly strategic, extremely knowledgeable and with a passion for creativity and design, her positive approach to work and life make her a much loved member of any project team. A proud sandgroper originally from the sun-kissed coast of Western Australia, these days you’ll find her most at home trawling Melbourne’s laneways seeking out the opening of a trendy new eatery or three.
Yoke’s developer Angus brings a welcome air of cool, calm and collected to the team. He handles code like a pro, moulding and shaping static designs into moving, working interfaces. He’s known for his attention to detail, the little touches of movement and interaction that turn a good digital experience into a great one. Away from his desk, you’re likely to find him enjoying beach walks or indulging in his passion for all things 1990’s.
Managing the money and dealing with the digits at Yoke HQ is our invaluable finance manager, Eugene. Raised on a sugar cane farm in Ayr, North Queensland, if you’re looking for this keen sportsman outside of work hours then you’d be best trying the golf course or the soccer pitch. A family man with love for social gatherings, Eugene brings that all-important financial know-how to the business – as well as regular deliveries of delicious homemade dried mango slices.
Melbourne native Maya arrived at Yoke following roles at several of the city’s top marketing agencies. She quickly established herself as someone who leads by example, combining her knowledge of brand and audience with a collaborative approach to her work. Engaging, astute and always asking the right kind of questions, she loves pizza, whiskey and 28-degree days – just not all at once.
Known for her thoughtful and considered approach to her work, Steph first discovered a love for data, technology and online activity whilst studying business and marketing in the world of fashion. Moving swiftly from patterns of clothing to patterns of consumer behaviour, she uses her natural curiosity to solve a wide array of online business problems for Yoke’s clients. Away from her analytics dashboard, she enjoys a number of creative pursuits, everything from growing plant cuttings to mastering the odd power tool or two.
