GroupM NZ appoints strategic maestro John Halpin as ceo

AUCKLAND, Today: GroupM AUNZ has appointed John Halpin as its new ceo. Halpin, a Kiwi, is returning home to New Zealand. Halpin replaces Chris Riley who has “moved on”.

GroupM AUNZ ceo Aimee Buchanan (Sydney-based) said: “John will be responsible for delivering a new proposition, that brings to life GroupM’s global vision of shaping the next era of media where advertising works better for people, in a distinctly New Zealand way.

“He will lead GroupM’s purpose, vision, culture and values amongst employees, clients, and partners.”

Halpin is a respected industry leader with global and local NZ experience working across brands including Coca-Cola, Commonwealth Bank, Telstra, Google, IBM and Microsoft.

He brings 20 years of media and marketing experience across Australia, Europe and APAC, having led Australian agencies Naked (managing partner) and Ikon as (head of strategy).

Most recently, he was head of strategy & media for independent agency Apparent, where he launched its media division in 2019 and scaled it across global and local technology brands.

Buchanan said: “Working closely with the NZ leaders of EssenceMediacom, Wavemaker, Mindshare and GroupM, he will be responsible for leading GroupM NZ into the next era of media and advertising, by delivering market-leading products and services that leverage the very best technology, tools and products available across the global network.

“I have watched John’s career from afar over a number of years, admiring his work and I am thrilled to have him join to lead NZ into the new era of growth.”

“John is passionate about building agency brands with purpose-backed visions, and adept at navigating complex business challenges in an ever-changing landscape. His leadership skills and deep strategic knowledge will be instrumental in driving growth for GroupM’s people, clients and agencies.

“John’s passion for New Zealand, its culture, and its people runs deep, and he has a lot to offer our people, our clients and the broader NZ industry.

“He’s a deep strategic thinker, and importantly a good human. He brings with him incredible global and international experience, with a strong understanding of and deep connection to NZ.

“I have watched John’s career from afar over a number of years, admiring his work and I am thrilled to have him join to lead NZ into the new era of growth.”

John Halpin said: “I love the fact that I’ll be working in New Zealand again. There is an incredible talent base within our agencies, a depth of capability and the chance to work with some of Aotearoa and the World’s most iconic brands.

“That combination, fuelled by a purpose driven and future-looking vision, is exactly the challenge I’ve been looking for. It’s a massive honour to join the team and work with them to shape the next era of media.”

Halpin will join the executive committee for GroupM Australia & New Zealand.

About GroupM
GroupM is a world-leading media investment company with a mission to create a new era of media where advertising works better for people. It is responsible for $ US60 billion in annual media investment.

• groupm.com