Our Team

Joe – Managing Director

Joe Bolton is Phenomenon’s Managing Director, a commercially minded leader driven by building brands people remember. Known for pairing sharp strategic thinking with genuine energy, he has built his career around one simple idea: great brands are created through real human connection. With extensive experience across sales, marketing, and business leadership, Joe thrives on turning ambition into momentum and delivering measurable impact. His grounded, collaborative style gives clients confidence and builds strong partnerships based on trust and transparency.

When he’s not at the office, Joe embraces New Zealand’s coastal lifestyle, coaches rugby with enthusiasm, and treasures time with his three children, who keep life busy, balanced, and full of perspective.

Emma – General Manager

With over 15 years in the industry, Emma has progressed from Talent Booker to General Manager. She has worked with global brands like L’Oréal, Nike, Dyson, Frucor, and Western Union on impactful experiential campaigns. Emma has led notable projects including bringing international artists into the country for Pepsi Party House and hosting the American Football team for Nike during the Football World Cup.

Away from work, she is a proud parent of two and competes in fitness events like half marathons and Hyrox, cultivating the discipline and perseverance she brings to her leadership role.

Zelda – Senior Account Manager

With 35 years in experiential marketing, including nearly two decades in New Zealand, Zelda brings a wealth of experience and practical know-how. Having worked across everything from client-side roles to staffing, logistics, and feedback, she understands what it takes to deliver. She loves turning client ideas and budgets into seamless, high-impact activations, and seeing it all come together.

When she’s not deep in campaign logistics, Zelda enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, walking outdoors, crafting, and getting lost in a good book. A passionate flower lover, she recently completed her Level 2 floristry qualification and delights in creating bouquets from her garden to gift and share.

Chelsea – Senior Account Manager

Armed with a conjoint degree in Law and Business and a background in bartending, Chelsea took the scenic route to her current role, starting as a Brand Ambassador and working her way up to Senior Account Manager. She thrives in fast-paced environments that keep her on her toes, enjoying meeting people, solving problems, and making things happen.

When she’s off the clock, Chelsea can be found lifting weights at the gym, chasing waves with a snorkel in tow, or carving up ski slopes. She’s also known for her love of the “double Gs”: gin and garlic bread, reflecting her energetic and fun-loving personality.

Katrina – Account Manager + Digital Lead

Katrina rejoined the team in 2023 after first being part of the team from 2014 to 2016. She now thrives in an Account Manager role, splitting her time between Hamilton and the Auckland head office. Drawing on her background as a former Talent Coordinator, Katrina brings strong organisation and attention to detail to every project.

With early roots in the performing arts industry including studying in Sydney and a career as a professional dancer, Katrina has always been drawn to creativity and expression. Her diverse experience also includes performing on cruise ships across Australia and the South Pacific, working in the fashion industry, and balancing life as a proud mum to four wonderful sons.

Jane – Talent Manager

Jane is Phenomenon’s Talent Manager and a natural perfectionist. She began as a Talent Coordinator for Auckland Transport during university and, after four years with the team, took a 1.5-year break before returning to lead the Talent team.

Jane is passionate about building genuine relationships with brand ambassadors and lives by our motto that Talent is not an afterthought. She speaks three languages and is gradually adding French to her repertoire. On weekends, Jane enjoys watching Formula 1, dining at Auckland’s finest spicy restaurants, and baking something sweet.

Libby – Talent Coordinator + Creative Designer

Libby joined the team in 2019 as one of the original Dyson Brand Ambassadors and works as the Talent Coordinator for Auckland. With a background as a freelance artist, she brings creativity and a keen eye to everything she does. Originally from Hamilton and now a certified JAFA, Libby energises the office with her bright, bubbly personality. She enjoys scouting top talent and supporting the team.

Beyond work, Libby likes to unwind with a good glass of wine and spending time with friends, bringing heart and hustle to everything she does.

Bayleigh – Operations Coordinator

In her role as Operations Coordinator, Bayleigh keeps the wheels turning behind the scenes on every campaign, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Hailing from Gisborne and further shaped by her academic journey at the University of Otago in Dunedin, she brings a steady focus and adaptable mindset to her work. Bayleigh thrives on the variety the job offers and enjoys the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of the role, always ready to tackle new challenges.

Beyond the workday, she enjoys social outings with friends, spending time at the beach, and staying active, consistently bringing a positive energy to the team.

Nicole – Assets + Channels Manager

Nicole is Phenomenons’s powerhouse Assets and Channels Manager. Originally from Auckland but influenced by her university years in Dunedin, Nicole is the go-to for making things happen.

When she’s not managing timelines and tidying assets, you’ll find her at the beach, attending festivals, or involved in sports, especially if there’s a good game on. Easy-going, energetic, and always up for a laugh, Nicole is a valued and lively member of the team.

Rachael – Lower North Island Regional Manager

With 14 years leadership experience as an FMCG Territory Manager, Rachael then embraced an adventurous eight years in California, balancing a vibrant lifestyle with hands-on events and promotional work. Now a dedicated Coordinator, she excels at providing her team with the support and tools to perform at their best, thriving on seeing others confident and successful.

Beyond the workplace, Rachael loves long walks with her dogs and nurturing her 8-acre property with ambitions of self-sufficiency. Deeply committed to animal welfare, she has fostered over 130 dogs and puppies, making a lasting impact.

Nikki – Waikato / BOP Coordinator

+ Social Media Manager

Nikki started out as a Brand Ambassador at events, a role she still enjoys being part of. She now coordinates the Waikato and Bay of Plenty areas, working with talent to bring projects to life. Nikki also keeps our socials up to date, showcasing our latest work.

Beyond work, she stays busy with creative projects or cooking in the kitchen, bringing enthusiasm and passion to everything she does.