Publicis Groupe makes 3 senior appointments in NZ

AUCKLAND, Today: Publicis Groupe has announced three senior appointments to Publicis Spark Foundry New Zealand – and one departure.

Sydney-based Spark Foundry Australia ceo Imogen Hewitt will now also be appointed to the newly created role of ANZ ceo. Hewitt has spent the last 20 years in media and creative agencies both in Australia and South-East Asia.

She will now become a regular visitor to NZ, where will support NZ MD Nicky Greville, who continues in her local leadership role. 

Auckland-based Rob Thomas joined Publicis Spark Foundry in March, in the role of head of digital & data. He recently returned from the UK, where he’d been head of digital planning for PHD UK.

And Auckland-based Adveta Dethe joins Publicis Spark Foundry as head of search, overseeing paid & organic search and biddable media. She brings experience developing integrated digital strategy with measurable results across a wide portfolio of category leaders.

These appointments follow the launch of Publicis Spark Foundry in New Zealand in September last year, with Westpac New Zealand, signing as the foundation client. 

AUNZ ceo Michael Rebelo said: “Spark Foundry New Zealand is quickly proving to be a compelling offering both for our foundation client Westpac and now others including Fletcher Living and Meta to name a few.

“I would like to thank Al for the immense contribution he has had both on Publicis Media and the broader industry as a whole.”

“With these strong additions to our senior team, I have no doubt we will continue to build on the momentum Nicky has already created.”

Imogen Hewitt said: “Nicky and the team have already made a huge impact on the market, and I am thrilled to now be working with them more closely as we continue to grow the Spark Foundry brand in New Zealand.”

After architecting the evolution of Publicis Groupe’s media offering in New Zealand, Alistair Jamison, has announced he will be departing after a lengthy tenure with Publicis Groupe. He will be supporting the team over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.

He said: “With Publicis Spark Foundry now firmly established in the market and a strong leadership team in place to write the next chapter for Publicis Media in New Zealand, I felt it was the right moment to for me to make a change.

“It’s been an incredible journey over the past 20 years and I would like to thank all of the people I’ve had the pleasure of working with over this time. I know that Publicis Media is in great hands and the future is bright.”

Michael Rebelo: “On behalf of the entire Publicis Groupe, in Aotearoa and beyond, I would like to thank Al for the immense contribution he has had both on Publicis Media and the broader industry as a whole.

“We thank him for setting up our media business for its next stage of growth. Al is a great human and we wish him nothing but the best.”

About Publicis Spark Foundry
Publicis Spark Foundry is a global media agency brand within Publicis Media.

• www.publicisgroupe.com