Magic brings back Charles Kurth as head of performance

Independent media agency Magic has added six new staff across performance, account service and social following 14% year-on-year business growth.

The appointments include the return of former head of performance Charles Kurth, who rejoins Magic after an in-house role as performance marketer at retailer Quad Lock.

Kurth will lead Magic’s performance media product, overseeing performance channels, optimisation frameworks and the continued development of the agency’s measurement-led approach to driving commercial outcomes.

The hires follow a period of client growth for Magic, including new business from El Jannah, Zamels, iPantry and Vitality Brands.

Chris Lane joins as account director from Vouch Global, where he was performance head. He brings experience across digital performance marketing, analytics and strategy for ecommerce, retail, non-profit and hospitality clients, including Macmillan Cancer Support and UNICEF.

Shamila Naleer joins as account manager from KingKong, where she was a paid search specialist. She previously worked as campaign manager at W360 Group.

Thomas Proe-Carter and Alishma Ismaili join as account executives, specialising in performance. Proe-Carter will focus on paid social and search, with experience across Meta and TikTok campaigns for ecommerce brands. Ismaili steps into a performance executive role after marketing and social media management roles at 360 Dental Marketing, Your Social and MotorOne CX.

Stephanie Walsh joins in the new role of social media co-ordinator. Walsh is completing design and business marketing degrees at Swinburne University and joins from Victorian brewery JKB Brewing, where she was content and marketing manager.

“These appointments mark an exciting next step in our growth and reflect the momentum we are building across the business,” said Shahram Ghaffurian, CEO of Magic.

“Each new hire brings meaningful expertise and energy to the team, further strengthening our capabilities and positioning us strongly for the future.”

Kurth said his return marked a homecoming.

“This is a homecoming for me. I’m thrilled to return to Magic at such an exciting time for the business, where I can continue to harness data and best-in-class performance to drive new business and client opportunities,” he said.

Magic operates across Australia and the US, with a focus on media, analytics, strategic consulting, incrementality, modelling, measurement and integrating brand and performance in one growth strategy.

All appointments are effective immediately.