HOUSTON GROUP STRENGTHENS LEADERSHIP WITH AMANDA SZYLO DUNCAN AS CSO

Houston Group has appointed Amanda Szylo Duncan as Chief Strategy Officer, strengthening its leadership and strategic capability. Duncan, formerly with Interbrand, brings nearly 20 years’ experience guiding brands through complex change. Her appointment, alongside recent strategic hires, reflects Houston’s continued investment in talent and commitment to delivering commercial impact for clients.  

Leading independent brand consultancy Houston Group has appointed Amanda Szylo Duncan as Chief Strategy Officer, reinforcing its executive leadership and strategic depth amid rising demand for commercially grounded brand solutions. Duncan, formerly Managing Director and Head of Strategy at Interbrand, brings nearly two decades of experience guiding brands through complex transformation.  

Her portfolio includes work with Coles, Persol Group, Westpac, AMP Capital, HUB24 Group, NRI, Allianz and Minor Hotels. At Houston, she will lead the strategy team and collaborate closely with founder and CEO Stuart O’Brien to advance the agency’s strategic excellence. O’Brien praised Duncan as “one of the most respected strategists in the market,” noting the respect built through years of healthy competition.  

Duncan expressed admiration for Houston’s culture and talent, highlighting her excitement to join forces with O’Brien, Executive Strategy Director Cara Meade, and Strategy Director Chloe Jensen, who joined in October 2025 after leading global brand transformation projects at DesignStudio, Moving Brands and Designworks. Duncan also welcomed the chance to reunite with creative leaders Alex Creamer and Alex Toohey.  

Her appointment underscores Houston’s commitment to investing in outstanding strategic talent, complementing a client roster that includes Qantas, Western Sydney Airport, MA Financial, NRMA, Metcash, a2 Milk, Wesfarmers Health, QT Hotels, NITV and Belvoir Street Theatre. Duncan’s arrival signals a new chapter for Houston, combining strategic rigour with creative excellence to deliver meaningful business impact.