James Trebilcock

What Do I Do?

I’m not here to sell you a shiny logo or a vacuous purpose statement. Too many marketers lead with fluff; I begin with business reality. My work starts by diving under the hood to see where you actually make money, which customers drive your profit, why they buy and what stops them. 

Together we’ll dissect customer behaviour, media channels and buying journeys, and calculate which jobs are truly profitable, because “brand strategy isn’t complicated – it’s targeting, positioning and objectives”. 

Once those fundamentals are clear, we’ll build a plan to attract more of the right customers and fewer of the wrong ones. Only then do we layer on brand positioning so your business comes to mind when it matters and carries the right associations. 

Finally, we translate the strategy into creative and channel plans that deliver both immediate demand and long-term brand salience, avoiding the nonsense of “performance branding.”

In short, I help businesses grow by aligning strategy with reality. I identify your most profitable audiences, tailor communications and marketing strategies to them, and build a brand platform rooted in evidence, not ego. 

The result is a clear roadmap, immediate actions and the right creative partners to execute. No fluff, no jargon – just disciplined marketing that works, because “market orientation is the realisation that your brand is fundamentally unimportant” and your customer is everything.

More About Me:

With over 25 years of experience in strategic brand development, communications, and marketing, James is a visionary leader whose expertise spans a wide range of industries, from FMCG, automotive, and fashion to financial services, travel, and government.

James's ability to translate complex research—both quantitative and qualitative—into meaningful, actionable insights has driven countless innovative and effective campaigns.

James’s leadership has been proven across Australia, SE Asia, and Africa, where he has successfully managed teams of all sizes and overseen budgets exceeding $120M. Whether leading highstakes projects like the 2022 SA State Election, Toyota’s Lifetime of Advantages, or the 2024 SA Voice to Parliament Election, James consistently delivers results, showcasing his strategic brilliance and ability to manage diverse stakeholder groups.

From launching products for global giants like Ford, Hyundai, and Toyota to spearheading long-term consulting engagements with high-profile clients such as the Electoral Commission of South Australia and News Corp, James brings a relentless drive for innovation and success. His ability to see the bigger picture while ensuring precision in execution makes him an invaluable partner in any venture.

With a proven track record of delivering exceptional communication and marketing strategies, James is a trusted advisor who brings unparalleled value to every organisation he collaborates with.

Skilled in leading innovative campaigns, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and team management.

Expertise in setting KPIs, measuring campaign effectiveness, and collaborating with agencies.

Strong background in government campaigns and brand development.

Proficient in strategic planning, media buying, and crisis communications.

Experienced in managing media budgets over $120M.

Education includes Mini MBA in Marketing and certifications in Direct Marketing.

Proven success in driving brand strategies and achieving high market share growth.

Key client experience includes Toyota, Ford, The SA Government, Commonwealth Bank, and DFAT.