Universal Matter hires former Labatt head of premium brands

Mike D’Agostini has joined Universal Matter as VP of marketing and business development for Concrete Canada.

D’Agostini’s move into the graphene and advanced materials industry comes after 15 years at Labatt Breweries of Canada.

In his most recent position as head of premium brands at Labatt, D’Agostini led full-funnel marketing for above core brands, such as Corona, Michelob Ultra, Stella Artois and Modelo, and the brewer’s craft portfolio, which includes Stanley Park, Banded Peaks, Mill Street and Alexander Keith’s.

Babita Bhattal has joined Jamieson Wellness as VP of Canadian marketing.

Bhattal is coming off close to four years in senior positions at Loblaw’s, where she most recently served as VP of marketing for the grocer’s hard discount division.

She joined Loblaw in the fall of 2021 as senior marketing director of health and wellness to lead marketing efforts across pharmacy, health and wellness for Shopper’s Drug Mart and Loblaw Pharmacy.

Before joining Loblaw, Bhatall served as the senior marketing director for the global Theraflu brand at pharmaceutical company GSK.

Home Depot Canada appoints marketing director

Alyssa Haw is starting a new position as marketing director of creative production at Home Depot Canada.

Haw moves into the new role after more than two years as senior manager of brand marketing and content strategy at the home-improvement retailer. She has held a number of communications and marketing titles since joining Home Depot Canada in 2016 as a PR specialist.

Agency-side, Haw has experience as a senior account manager for Zak Communications and MSL Group.

H&R Block makes promotion

Christianne Balzun has been promoted to national senior marketing manager at H&R Block Canada.

Balzun will be leading national campaign creative and media, social media strategy and content development in the role. Her responsibilities will also include leading H&R Block’s CSR, referral program, promotions, office merchandising, office listings management, influencer marketing, new office openings and the marketing intern program.

Balzun joined the tax-preparation company in 2015 as a marketing co-ordinator, a title she also held in the past at restaurant chain Moxies.

Former Export Canada brand director takes comms role at University of Ottawa

Maria Scopelliti has taken on a new position as the associate director of communications and marketing at the University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of Management.

Scopelliti held the title of brand director for the final three years of an 8 1/2 year career at Export Development Canada.

The new role marks a return to the University of Ottawa for Scopelliti, who worked in a number of communications roles during a 7 1/2 year career stop at the school that started in November 2009.