JCDecaux NZ chief Mike Watkins departs

AUCKLAND, Thursday: JCDecaux today announced that NZ country head Mike Watkins has decided to step down and depart from the business.

Watkins, who led the New Zealand team since 2016 (including prior to JCD’s acquisition of APN in 2018) has yet to reveal his destination.

His successor is yet to be announced – in the interim, the chief operating officer of JCDecaux ANZ, Andrew Hines (Sydney-based), will oversee the New Zealand business and its operations.

Hines said a new NZ leadership role will be introduced shortly.

Sydney-based Steve O’Connor, ceo of JCDecaux Australia and New Zealand, said: “I would like to thank Mike Watkins for his leadership and valuable contributions to our New Zealand business.

“As part of the business changes, three other people have left the NZ team. They have not been identified. A new NZ leadership role will be introduced shortly.”

“He was instrumental in the development of audience measurement system, Calibre, and the inclusion of most industry partners into adopting it, which has been a significant step forward for the industry.

“We wish Mike all the best.”

“We have great confidence in the local team and their experience. We are well placed to respond to changing media environment and major opportunities in market.”

As part of the business changes, three other people have left the team in New Zealand. They have not been identified.

“I would like to thank them for their contributions,” O’Connor said. “We remain dedicated to our New Zealand operations and delivering excellent service to all our partners and clients.”

About JCDecaux
JCDecaux has 1 million advertising panels in 80 countries and 13,000 employees. Incorporated in 1964 in France. Its Australian and New Zealand businesses includes 40,000 assets spanning airports, rail, transit, static and digital billboards.

• jcdecaux.co.nz