Fiftyfive5 has appointed Ben Vernon to lead the customer experience (CX) capabilities for the consultancy.

Vernon has a range of experience in the sector, leading CX, research and design teams, most recently experience design at the Innovation Lab within the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

Karen Phillips, founding partner at Fiftyfive5 said: “Ben is a valuable addition to our CX team – as our clients’ need for CX strategy, execution and measurement continue to grow. He brings a wealth of expertise and experience through working with and in organisations with highly developed CX functions and thinking.”

Fiftyfive5 said the agency is also celebrating its recent appointment as Research Organisation of the Year 2020-21 at The Research Society awards. The agency was also awarded a Highly Commended Research Effectiveness Award for work with the University of Otago for their ability to demonstrate a clear link between insight and client growth.

“People are at the heart of our business success, so awards are a great opportunity to reflect and celebrate the great work each and every one of our 140+ team do on behalf of our clients” said Darren Kemp, also founding partner at Fiftyfive5.

Kemp continued: “As the largest independent agency in Australia we see it as our responsibility to help grow the reputation of the industry – by showcasing how research drives outcomes for our clients.”