StratHouse principal
Karen Cartwright
As StratHouse co-founder and principal, Karen brings big business thinking, local market understanding and an attention-to-detail approach to deliver informed and effective strategies for StratHouse clients.
Karen is a degree-qualified marketing professional with16 years experience shaping brands and strategy at multi-nationals Nestle and Uncle Tobys. Her time in the corporate world included ten years marketing global brands and six years managing public relations and elite sport sponsorships.
Since moving to Geelong, she has applied that experience to the more dynamic local consultancy setting. Karen has extensive experience navigating communications, engagement and advocacy on high-stakes local investments exceeding $3.5 billion including major infrastructure, masterplanned residential and high density infill developments.
Most recently, she represented Built Australia on the $450 million Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre project. In collaboration with government and project partners, Karen led strategic communications and community relations designed to build momentum, manage reputation and reinforce the project’s economic and community value.
Karen understands the region’s economic, social and political context and has trusted relationships across key stakeholders, including media and all levels of government. She is confident operating at both a strategic and operational level and is experienced in advising executives and collaborating with teams to drive successful outcomes.
Karen's strategic thought process, creativity and insight equip her to deliver the full breadth of brand, communication and engagement services. Consistently positive results and long-lasting client partnerships reflect the care, consistency and accountability given to her work.
StratHouse associates
Designer
Marc Mundy
Marc is a passionate and award-winning creative communicator who has worked in the design industry since 1995. His experience ranges from creative roles for large corporate clients such as Nike, Telecom, Sony, Coca-Cola, Netspace and Hocking Stuart – through to small start-up businesses. Marc creates brilliant branding, print and online solutions to meet client needs. His work has featured in a number of design awards and appeared in design publications.
Photographer
Alan Barber
Alan is a photographer and photojournalist with two decades of experience working with news media and corporate clients. As a familiar presence working local events and announcements he has developed relationships and local area understanding that empowers StratHouse clients. His newsroom exposure arms him with a thorough appreciation for what publishers require and the type of photos that make the cut. Alan will employ whatever tool is necessary to achieve the strongest image and maximum publicity including drone, underwater or instant file transfer.
StratHouse will bring together a team to meet project needs or readily work as an integral part of an established client team. We also collaborate with the region’s leading service providers to create collateral and events that hit the mark.