Mary Covatta: Versatile, driven and overseas
Alumnus Mary Covatta hasn't looked back since heading to Hong Kong eight years ago.
Armed with a qualification in graphic design from the National Institute of Design, Mary Covatta spent a few years working as a designer before being approached by Myer to set up its branding and private label department. It was here that she received her grounding in corporate management, moving from being purely design focused to gaining responsibility for creative direction, brand management, product development and retail marketing.
In 1996, advertising and marketing company Ogilvy and Mather offered Mary the plum job of creative director in its Hong Kong office. She worked on a number of major projects including the launch of the region's most prestigious office and retail development, Pacific Place, and thrived on the speed of business, opportunities and challenges of working in Asia.
"I find most people either love it or hate it, but for me it's home," Mary says. "It suits my personality as I'fve always been highly driven and thrive on the risks and challenges of working in a place where the action is, where you can do deals anywhere, anytime."
Three years ago, Mary set up Covatta Communications, a marketing and communications company based in central Hong Kong. While she misses Australia, she sees her future working between Australia and the greater China region helping Australian companies wishing to enter this region.
"Having worked in the region for several years I saw a gap in the market and a need for a company to provide personalised, strategic marketing and communication services."
And she hasn't looked back. Already Mary has accumulated an impressive list of high profile achievements and clients, such as ING Bank, Hong Kong Wealth Management, IBM, and most recently worked on the Hong Kong Harbour Festival. But her aspirations are broadening beyond the region with significant alliances in Taiwan, Shanghai, Bangkok and Australia and plans to open offices in Shanghai and Melbourne.
"I'm very lucky. I'm doing what I love, in a fantastic location with a great lifestyle. My family would snatch me back tomorrow, but I still get to visit Australia three or four times a year, and for now this is my home and my future."
Website: www.covattacommunications.com
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