FCB New Zealand unveils new leadership structure

AUCKLAND, Monday: FCB New Zealand has today unveiled a new leadership structure for its Auckland and Wellington operations, announcing the hiring of Paul Wilson as ceo of FCB Auckland and the promotion of Sean Keaney as ceo of FCB Wellington.

The agency’s new co-ceos will report directly to FCB global ceo Tyler Turnbull (based in Toronto) and FCB global chair & global CCO Susan Credle (New York).

The appointments of Wilson and Keaney signal sustained momentum for FCB New Zealand, which has won new business with clients including Waka Kotahi and continues to set a strong standard of inclusivity through its partnership with Māori-owned creative agency Run. 

It also comes on the heels of the 2022 promotions of Leisa Wall and Peter Vegas as the agency’s first co-chief CCOs following creative success across FCB NZ’s client portfolio — including Mitre 10, Air New Zealand, Mercury, Four Square and PAK’nSAVE.

Wilson and Keaney will partner with Wall and Vegas, as well as media ceo Blair Alexander, chief transformation officer and FCB/SIX lead Qassem Naim, and director of philosophy Vivien Sutherland Bridgwater, “to build the agency’s next chapter”. 

Turnbull said: “This new, expanded and tenured leadership team will allow for more collaboration and enable FCB New Zealand to realise even greater creative ambitions and business-driving ideas for clients 

through the deeper integration of global creative data and CRM capability of FCB/SIX, the growth of the agency’s media practice and the continued commitment to DE&I. 

“This new, expanded and tenured leadership team will allow for more collaboration and enable FCB NZ to realise even greater creative ambitions and business-driving ideas.”

Hired as FCB Auckland ceo, Wilson is a highly awarded agency leader who brings over 20 years’ experience advising some of the region’s most famous and trusted brands, including Toyota, Fonterra, Instant Kiwi, Heineken and BNZ.

He most recently served as TBWA New Zealand’s managing director and prior to that was managing director of Saatchi & Saatchi.   

“Getting the opportunity to join a creative business that is fuelled by a world-class data, technology and media offering is an incredibly compelling proposition. I can’t wait to get started,” said Wilson.

Elevated to FCB Wellington ceo from his previous role as managing director, Keaney will build on the momentum he has helped generate for the agency since joining in 2015 as GM.

“I’m incredibly excited about this new opportunity and continuing to work alongside the leadership team to build the agency that I love, with the added bonus of now partnering with Paul,” he said.

Sébastien Desclée, who has held the dual roles of FCB NZ ceo and global international partner for the past two years, will return home to Europe and will now focus on FCB’s affiliate relationships while taking on new global projects and initiatives.

“I am thrilled to know that FCB will continue to drive long-term progressive change in Aotearoa with the team that I have had the privilege to see grow for the last two years,” Desclée said.

About FCB
FCB (Foote, Cone & Belding) is a global, award-winning and integrated marketing communications company with 8000 people in 109 operations in 80 countries. It is part of the Interpublic Group of Companies.

• fcb.com

About FCB New Zealand
NZ is a member of Global Women and holds a position at their Champions for Change table, with a mission to accelerate inclusive and diverse leadership. The agency also sets a new standard for inclusivity through a unique partnership with Māori-owned creative agency Run. FCB NZ is a wholly integrated agency, incorporating both Media and Creative.

• fcb.co.nz