Revo Fitness’ Flora Lolev awarded 2025 CBWA Marketing Executive of the Year + The Brand’s Zoey Portilla crowned SuperNova of the Year

What began as a personal passion for Revo Fitness in 2015 has evolved into a successful career that has helped transform the brand into one of Australia’s fastest growing gym chains. Recently promoted to Head of Marketing, Flora Lolev has been at the forefront of Revo’s explosive expansion, demonstrating exceptional strategic vision, creativity, and leadership.

Since joining Revo Fitness in 2022, Lolev has played a pivotal role in scaling the brand from 16 to 54 gyms, expanding nationally into South Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria. Under her leadership, membership growth has tripled driving substantial revenue increases from FY24 to FY25.

Lolev’s keen understanding of digital marketing, brand positioning, and consumer engagement has helped cement Revo Fitness as an industry leader. By developing an integrated, always-on media strategy with media partner Carat Perth, she has helped move the brand beyond its initial reliance on Meta and Search, incorporating a full-channel mix which has produced exponential results allowing Revo to open more locations faster than ever.

Leading the charge in Revo’s expansion, Lolev has spearheaded 37 new gym opening campaigns, with record-breaking success. In 2023-2024 alone, 22 new club launches surpassed their membership targets by an average of 1.5x. Her strategic guidance has not only increased brand awareness but also driven down cost per acquisition by 17% year-over-year.

Recognizing the importance of platform-specific content, Lolev identified the need for a dedicated TikTok creator to accelerate growth. This move paid off, with Revo’s TikTok following increasing by 91% in 2024 alone. Instagram engagement has also flourished, with the brand’s following now approaching 70,000.

Beyond growth and revenue, Lolev has reinforced Revo Fitness’ commitment to community engagement. In the past year, she launched impactful partnerships with Lifeline WA, Buddiup, Ocean Heroes, and A Stitch in Time. A standout initiative, the ‘Lift for Lifeline WA’ fundraiser, activated across all Revo locations, raised over $140,000 to support mental health.

Lolev’s ability to drive creative excellence led to a brand refresh that injected new life into Revo’s visual identity elevating the brand’s aesthetic across all touchpoints, from digital campaigns to in-club branding and merchandise.

Her strategic marketing acumen was further showcased with the launch of the Revo Fitness App in January 2024. Within its first month, 25% of all members downloaded the app, propelling it to #2 on Australia’s overall App Store rankings and #1 in Health & Fitness.

Lolev’s reputation extends beyond Revo, having built strong relationships with key players in the media, PR, and advertising industries. She has worked closely with Carat for media planning, buying and optimisation, leading media partners alike oOh! Media and Nova Entertainment, and Hunter for PR.

The Campaign Brief Marketing Executive of the Year was first awarded in 2021. The award is judged from industry nominated or self nominated submissions received. This award aims to identify WA’s future CMOs and recognise the front line client executives who are driving marketing success in their organisation and who are making a strong contribution to the creative effectiveness of marketing in Western Australia.

This award recognises young talent that are judged to be future leaders in the industry. First introduced in 2007, the Supernova of the Year award is proudly sponsored by Nova 93.7. This year there were an incredible 24 submissions to be judged and we thank Nova’s Nina Santella for leading the judging this year. Previous winners include Luke O’Sullivan, Meredith Simpson, Matt Nankirvell, Holly Brindle, Natalie Stoelwinder, Eloise Cribb, Tyson Spensieri and Rebecca Di Pardo. This year’s Supernova of the Year award is awarded to The Brand Agency’s Zoey Portilla.

Zoey Portilla’s outstanding design work with the ability to make a meaningful impact and her commitment to growth and her generosity in mentoring others reflects the essence of what it means to be a truly exceptional creative.

After graduating from Curtin University with a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Advertising, Portilla couldn’t land a break in the industry. Perseverance and further studies in graphic design paid off, refining her skills and building her network, setting the foundation for what promises to be an impressive career.

While still studying, Portilla landed her first role at the Future Proof Agency. She then joined Function Creative while also interning at Ammo Marketing. Two years later, she then moved to Perth’s largest agency, The Brand Agency.

At The Brand, Portilla has created campaigns for Water Corporation, UWA, and City of Perth and produced illustrative designs for the Road Safety Commission’s “Wheelmates” and Foodbank’s “Share the Love” campaign, where every Valentine’s Day card sold helped provide up to ten meals for those in need – showcasing her ability to design with heart and purpose creating lasting impact.

Portilla’s design work extends beyond client work as she aspires to leave her mark on the creative community. She has spoken at AGDA’s industry portfolio review day, mentored young creatives, and contributed as a committee member for TEDxPerth, Tokyo Alley and the PADC. She’s championed AGDA’s Mentorship Program on RTRFM, guest lectured at TAFE and returned as MC for their graduate showcase, guiding future designers.

Portilla facilitated the Re:act Amplify ‘Deep Dive’ event for RACWA and represented Australia at the 3rd World Youth Assembly in Morocco and with other youth leaders from over 130 countries, discussed road safety and sustainable mobility. She is now collaborating with RACWA to bring those design insights back to Perth.

Portilla has an impressive array of past awards including the Beaumont Award for ‘Most Unique Creative Chops’ and the ‘National Graduate of the Year’ from the Design Institute of Australia.

She embraces growth, takes on new challenges, and has learnt that failure often sparks the greatest progress. Looking ahead, she’s committed to advocating for the next generation of creatives, offering mentorship, and leaving a lasting impact. “My journey had taught me that the struggles we face are often the key to our greatest leaps of faith.”

“Great creative thinking doesn’t shout – it shines through thoughtful design. Zoey’s approach is exactly this: considered, effective, and proof that quiet minds often have the boldest ideas,” said Dan Agostino, Head of Design, The Brand Agency.

This year there were 24 entries and the finalists were:

Corey Battersby – The Brand Agency
Caitlan Buck – Val Morgan
Sara Cunningham – The Brand Agency
Morgan Hopkins – CARAT
Isabella Maynard – NINE
Siahn Nardi – Seven West Media
Tessa Pinkerton – White Chalk Road
Alex Rose – The Brand Agency
Tia Sullivan – Initiative
Brayden Zuin – Bonfire

For full coverage of winners and the finalists in all categories get the printed edition of the 44 page Campaign Brief Awards magazine. Email Mina on perth@campaignbrief.com