SYDNEY--Ava Lawler has joined Weber Shandwick Australia as managing director, after bringing her 20-year career with Text 100 to a close.

Lawler was most recently global consultancy director at Text 100, after previously overseeing the Next 15 agency's Asia-Pacific operations. In Australia, Lawler established both Text 100 and August.One for Next 15 and also served on the firm's global executive leadership team.

Lawler's arrival also sees Weber Shandwick Australia chair Ian Rumsby elevated to an additional role as Asia-Pacific chief strategy officer, focusing on creativity and planning.

Lawler becames the latest member of Text 100's veteran leadership team to exit the firm. Last year, COO Andrew McGregor, North America regional director Scott Friedman and North Asia regional director Steven Murphy all departed the agency.

At Text 100, Lawler oversaw considerable digital growth, culminating in the firm's selection as the Holmes Report's 2012 Asia-Pacific Digital Agency of the Year.

“In particular, her strength in diversified marketing programs will add significant value to our clients," said Weber Shandwick Asia-Pacific chairman Tim Sutton.