7 Power Moves to Watch in AUNZ

2023 heralds the transition of pandemic times to endemic beginnings, and agencies will be put to the test as they sharpen their business acumen and deepen client engagements.

LBB takes a look at how agencies are gearing up for 2023 with top management and strategy talents joining their folds to spearhead client and agency growth.  

Patricio De Matteis, ANZ CEO, dentsu International 

Patricio De Matteis brings with him over 25 years of experience in marketing, digital and consulting. Previously the chief digital officer of Cognizant, Patricio’s appointment follows a period of change at dentsu ANZ, which sees the business focusing on five go-to-market brands. He reports to Rob Gilby, APAC CEO, dentsu International.

Michael McEwan, CEO, M&C Saatchi AUNZ

Michael McEwan steps up as CEO and reports to Justin Graham, CEO M&C Saatchi Group AUNZ, following a national restructure last year to enable greater client accessibility to M&C Saatchi’s diverse talent pool. He was previously MD of M&C Saatchi Melbourne.

Jody Elston, Chief Strategy Officer, 303 MullenLowe Sydney

Jody Elston’s 24-year career has seen her snag gold and silver Effies, with the most recent being 2022 Challenger Brands Effie for Great Southern Bank and a 2022 Effie for Mitsubishi Triton. She is tasked to lead a team of senior planners across the agency and its disciplines in brand, CX, UX, social and channel planning.

Fiona Johnston, Chief Client Officer, dentsu Media Group

Working in partnership as CEO Danny Bass’ second-in-command, Fiona Johnston focuses on the strategic direction and growth of the Carat, iProspect and dentsu X brands. She was previously global/EMEA Chief Growth Officer for IPG Mediabrands and CEO of UM Australia. 

Catherine Mellon, Executive Strategy Director, CHEP Network

Catherine Mellon’s award-winning work has seen her building brands from the ground up and prioritising innovation at the heart of businesses. She joins from M&C Saatchi where she has worked on brands such as Commonwealth Bank, Baiada Brands and Woolworths.

Katherine Chen, Managing Partner, VMLY&R Sydney

Katherine Chen previously led client service in both Melbourne and Sydney offices where she drove significant growth across clients such as Rip Curl, Coles, Monash, Intel and Colgate. In her new role, she will lead the Sydney agency alongside Sarah Bailey, who oversees both offices. 

Jessica White, CEO, Reprise Australia

Jessica White joins Reprise to speed up its momentum as a full-service digitally-led performance agency. Reporting to Mark Coad, CEO of Mediabrands Australia, Jessica has previously held senior roles both internationally and locally within Mediabrands.