Telstra Knowledge Head Joins The Leading Edge

Renowned Australian agency The Leading Edge has appointed Diane Shelton, who at Telstra was responsible for Australia's largest ever market research budget and marketing department, in the newly created role of Director of its Melbourne Business-to-Business (B2B) division, which was launched in March 2003.

Shelton was most recently Group Manager, Market Knowledge at Telstra Corporation, running an innovative Market Knowledge function combining Market Research, Competitive Intelligence and Customer Analytics. She worked previously as a Senior Lecturer at the Melbourne Business School and as a Marketing Consultant and Director agency-side.

The B2B division has already grown significantly, with clients including Carlton United Breweries, Australian Unity, Carter Holt Harvey and the ABC.

According to Leading Edge MD Derek Leddie, 'Diane Shelton brings with her a wealth of experience and a unique skill set gained from operating at very senior levels on both the supply side and buyer side of the industry. To deliver to our clients business needs we need people with skills beyond being great researchers. Diane's' dexterities, encompassing lecturing, directing and innovating at the highest corporate levels in both research and business genres, will ensure we continue to meet that need'.

Shelton describes The Leading Edge as 'Australia's most unique and innovative research consultancy to-date' and believes she will enhance their offering to provide 'a very exciting and compelling offer for the business-to-business sector'.