Diversity and sustainability top priority for new Comms Council President

The Commercial Communications Council (The Comms Council) has elected Rob Harvey, CEO of dentsu Aotearoa as its new President. StopPress caught up with him to find out what he’s most looking forward to achieving in his new role, the most pressing issues facing the Communications industry and what he’d like to see more of.

What new perspective do you offer The Comms Council as president?

I don’t really think it’s a case of me bringing anything radically new as Al Jamison has done a great job as the previous President, and Simon and the Executive Board have a clear strategic agenda for the organisation and how it can best support the industry. It’s my role to work with this team collectively, and other contributors from across the member base to ensure that this work continues to progress with momentum.

That said, where I think I can add value is the breadth of my background and experience leading an agency group that spans the full spectrum of the disciplines of our industry, and therefore the member base we represent. I’m very keen to ensure that voices and perspectives from across our great industry are equally represented.

I would also say that my focus on the people and sustainability of our industry is where I hope to have an impact, particularly regarding our environmental footprint and the need to ensure we have an industry that is representative of the beautiful diversity of Aotearoa.

Is there anything you’re particularly looking forward to achieving during your time as president?

In every position I’ve had throughout my career I’ve always been determined to leave the organisation I’m working with in a better shape than I found it.

In this case, there are two areas that I would love to look back on and feel like we had made meaningful progress during my tenure as Comms Council President.

The first being the sustainability efforts of our industry. I believe the Comms Council can work to build a united view around what good looks like, and how we can collectively support each other and the broader communications ecosystem to drive meaningful change.

The second being the diversity of our talent. Whilst we are making progress, without question our industry does not currently reflect the diversity of Aotearoa’s society. We need to ensure we are building talent pipelines for our underrepresented communities, and this will require continued focus on Māori and Pasifika.

I know there is some great work underway in many of our member agencies, but I think the Comms Council have a great opportunity to continue supporting the industry and accelerating change.

What’s the most pressing issue impacting the industry currently?

Like many industries, I think the most pressing issue we face right now is resource. A combination of a tight labour market, delayed OEs, and the need to build a greater profile of our industry at graduate levels is putting real pressure on agency resources. Our teams are working harder than they ever have and this isn’t sustainable, so we need to continue to work hard in building the employment brand for our industry and supporting those who are already working within it. This pressure feels most acute at junior to mid-levels, and I want to take this opportunity to thank the Comms Council First Five Rungs team for the great work they are doing to best support this talent across agencies. 

What does the industry need more of at the moment in your view?

Outside of the talent shortage I’ve already mentioned, I think our industry could do with a bit more optimism. This can be a relentless and bruising business, but the industry should be incredibly confident in the power we have to change behaviour, be an engine for economic growth, and promote positive change in society. Where else do you find this unique combination and who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?

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