Spark Foundry launches in NZ with foundation client Westpac

AUCKLAND, Today: Publicis Groupe’s AUNZ ceo, Sydney-based Michael Rebelo, has announced the launch of Spark Foundry in the New Zealand market, with Westpac NZ signing as the foundation client.

Nicky Greville has been appointed to lead the new agency as managing director, moving from her role as client services director at MBM. 

Rebelo said: “Following on from the acquisition of MBM and Affinity ID (now Digitas) we remain committed to growing our brands, capabilities and investment in the New Zealand market.

“Spark Foundry is a global network famous for its big brand thinking, and robust data and analytics capabilities. Led by Nicky, we’re excited to see the expansion of Spark’s footprint and we are privileged to be able to do so with a client such as Westpac.”  

Westpac NZ chief marketing officer Suraiya Phillimore-Smith said: “We were impressed with the calibre of thinking that the Spark Foundry team delivered.

“They immediately demonstrated a deep understanding of our brand, our customers and our category, showing us just how far we can push our new ‘Together Greater’ brand positioning.”

Nicky Greville said: “We are in the enviable position to be launching the agency with our wonderful new partners at Westpac.

“Nicky has been an integral part of MBM, and she leaves the agency after having led a multi-disciplinary team across some of their top clients.”

“Having recently taken a hugely brave step in their recent rebrand, we are excited to amplify this further, and build our agency with such inspiring partners.

“The Spark Foundry brand is one I have long admired with its unique approach to fusing strategy, technology and analytics. Its proprietary Heat framework places cultural fluency at its heart and uses market-leading products and tools to power it.

“This has been a strong part of the network’s success around the world, and I am looking forward to replicating it in NZ to deliver on our clients’ business needs.”

Greville, who has previously held leadership roles at various, joined MBM in 2019 and has worked on key accounts including Vodafone and Unilever.

Rebelo said: “Nicky has been an integral part of the award-winning team at MBM, and she leaves the agency after having led a multi-disciplinary team across some of their top clients.

“Her experience in strategy and business leadership across some of the largest categories and clients in New Zealand leaves us with no doubt she will bring that same depth of strategic thinking and leadership to her new role at Spark Foundry.”

About Publicis Groupe
Publicis Groupe is a global leader in communication. Present in over 100 countries, Publicis Groupe employs around 83,000 professionals.

• www.publicisgroupe.com

About Spark Foundry
Spark Foundry is a global media agency brand within Publicis Media, a key division of Publicis Groupe. With 3000 employees in 50 countries, the agency has a growing footprint of 60 offices in key markets.

• www.sparkfoundryww.com