Redballoon has appointed Rapthi Thanapalasingam as its chief marketing officer.

Online experience retailer Redballoon has appointed Rapthi Thanapalasingam as its first CMO, as well as new chief technology officer Brett Raven.

“The relationship between CMO and CTO at RedBalloon is a vital one as we are both a marketing and technology company, poised for some exciting new initiatives that will heavily impact both areas” says Redballoon CEO Nick Baker.

“Specifically, we were looking for a CMO with strong commercial and ecommerce experience, a pedigree in travel and tourism and a natural affinity for fast paced and progressive environments,” he says of Rapthi, who has more than 15 years’ experience in tourism, telecommunications and finance.

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Related: 2017, the year of the hybrid marketer »

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Her most recent role saw her lead MasterCard’s Australian and New Zealand digital and social strategy, working with the company’s key partners through the ‘priceless’ platform.

“I’m really looking forward to applying my extensive travel and digital experience in an ecommerce environment and leading the RedBalloon marketing team, particularly as the business enters a new growth chapter,” she says.

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Related: Australian CEOs don’t think CMOs can drive disruptive growth – here’s how to change their mind »

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