Tag: Agency News

Australia – Independent advertising agency Thompson Spencer is expanding into Australia. Establishing a local presence in Sydney and Melbourne marks the next move for the agency, which has results-driven campaigns across 74 countries over the last 15 years.

Leading the Australian expansion is Olivia Thompson and Madison Trevella. Olivia has relocated from New Zealand after working with Thompson Spencer for six years and will head up the Sydney office. 

As a key figure in the agency’s journey, Olivia brings extensive experience from her previous role at Thompson Spencer NZ, where she spearheaded numerous large bluechip clients such as New World, Mitre 10 and The Warehouse Group in New Zealand . 

Meanwhile, Madison heads up Thompson Spencer in Melbourne working with clients such as Chartered Accountants, bringing local expertise and leadership to drive the agency’s presence in the Victorian market. 

Olivia Thompson, business director for Australia at Thompson Spencer, says, ”This is a major milestone for Thompson Spencer and I’m excited to have the opportunity to shape the next chapter for us. We’ve already built great relationships with Australian brands and having boots on the ground means we can be more hands-on and in tune with the market. We’re here to deliver creative that challenges, strategy that sharpens and media that gets business results.”

Meanwhile, Melanie Spencer, co-CEO of Thompson Spencer, commented, “Our vision has always been to build one of the greatest modern ad agencies in the world. We’ve earned our reputation in New Zealand and proven our impact globally. Now, we’re ready to take on the Australian market with the same fearless, future-focused mindset. Setting up a base in Sydney and Melbourne allows us to deliver our bold creative vision directly to Aussie brands.”

Lastly, Wendy Thompson, co-founder of Thompson Spencer, added, “Australia is a dynamic and thriving market and presents an exciting opportunity for us, as well as our Kiwi clients eyeing their own move into the market.”

It is worth noting that this market expansion comes after the recent merger between Thompson Spencer and Reacher, further amplifying its ability to deliver integrated marketing solutions to its clients. The combined agency now boasts an expanded team of over 53 talented professionals, actively recruiting to meet the rising demand and to continue their trajectory of growth across global markets.

India – PHD India, part of Omnicom Media Group (OMG), has been awarded the integrated media mandate for Atomberg, a provider of smart home appliances.

Founded in 2012, Atomberg has grown from a challenger brand to a trusted name in Indian households. Known for its energy-efficient BLDC fans and India’s first BLDC motor mixer grinder, the brand continues to innovate and expand its presence across the country.

Following a competitive pitch, PHD India will take over the media mandate from Madison. PHD’s strategic approach, with a focus on local market insights and a consumer-first mindset, was central to the win.

The agency will oversee all media services and integrated, audience-focused solutions as part of the mandate, with management based in its Mumbai office.

Arindam Paul, founding member and CBO at Atomberg, shared, “At Atomberg, we strive to add value to our consumers’ lives by spotting and solving invisible challenges. This curiosity fuels our innovation and is at the core of all our offerings. It’s the combination of our curiosity to solve everyday challenges and our love for technology that shapes products designed to bring more ease and efficiency into daily life.”

“As we grow and reach more households across India, we’re glad to have PHD India on board. Their strategic expertise will enable us to amplify our reach and drive meaningful impact,” he added.

Echoing this sentiment, Monaz Todywalla, CEO of PHD India, said, “Atomberg’s commitment to consumers’ lives through innovation is truly what sets it apart. More than a partnership, this is a shared pursuit of progress. We’re proud to stand beside them as they continue shaping the future.”

The partnership comes as Atomberg continues to expand its presence and product range in the Indian consumer appliances market, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. PHD’s expertise will support the brand’s growth and market share ambitions.

Australia – Accenture Song’s Droga5 has announced that its ANZ executive creative director Barbara Humphries and Droga5 Aotearoa chief creative officer Damon Stapleton will step into new roles as co-chief creative officers of Australia and New Zealand, working in conjunction with Matt Michael, CEO of Droga5 ANZ.

Meanwhile, Droga5 Australia chief creative officer Tara Ford has been named the chief creative officer of Droga5 London. Based in London, Ford will take on the creative helm, working closely alongside Droga5 London CEO Bill Scott and chief strategy officer Will Hodge.

The new ANZ creative line up is part of an orchestrated creative restructure to reinvent Droga5’s worldwide offering and reposition the expanding global network for its new phase of growth and ambition under Droga5 Global CEO Mark Green.

Speaking on this move, Damon said, “Droga5 has always been a bastion of world-class creativity, and it makes me proud to be able to work with all the great and talented people of Auckland, Sydney and Melbourne to add to Droga5’s story. Having the larger playing field of Australia and New Zealand with so many more Lego pieces to push creativity forward is always going to be fun. On top of that, I get to partner with somebody as massively talented as Barb which makes that journey even more special. I look forward to great ideas and making great stuff.”

Meanwhile, Barbara commented, “I’m really proud of the recent momentum as part of The Monkeys, Song and now Droga5, and learning from a creative force like Tara over the past few years has been invaluable. Now, with the opportunity to bring together more of our talented people across three offices, partnering with the brilliant Damon Stapleton and long-time collaborator Matt, I’m super excited about the opportunities ahead of us.”

It is worth noting that in 2024, Droga5 acquired award-winning Brazilian agency SOKO as well as welcomed The Monkeys in Australia and New Zealand – co-founded by Mark Green – to its network.

Matt Michael, CEO, Droga5 Australia & New Zealand, stated, “I’m excited for Tara and looking forward to seeing her make the incredible kind of impact she has made in Australia in another part of our global network. Her move to head up London further underscores the incredible regional and global opportunities available to our creative talent. Having worked closely with Barb and Damon over the years, I’m thrilled to see these two heavyweights unite, strengthening our creative firepower for clients across the region.”

He added, “This move reinforces our commitment to borderless creativity, driving transformative impact for our client’s businesses, brands, and reputations in a way that continues to lead the world. With the creative calibre of Damon and Barb leading the charge, the next phase of Droga5 ANZ is set to be truly exciting.”

Mark Green, global CEO at Droga5, said, “It is always great to see people you have worked with closely for many years take on new challenges. With Tara moving to London, we didn’t hesitate to elevate Barb and Damon, and it felt like the perfect opportunity for everyone to advance their careers and bolster the creative pedigree of Droga5 globally.”

Meanwhile, Pelle Sjoenell, worldwide chief creative officer, Droga5, commented, “We’re fortunate to have such extraordinary talent within the Droga5 global family. It’s an embarrassment of riches to have world-class creative leaders like Tara, Barbara and Damon. As we welcome Tara into a new chapter in London and unite Barbara and Damon’s creative firepower for ANZ, it allows us to work without borders — harnessing our people, capabilities, and influence to make a real impact for our clients and move us closer to our ambition of being the most influential creative company.”

Speaking on her new move to the agency’s London office, Tara said, “I’ve had an amazing time at The Monkeys, now Droga5 ANZ, working with some exceptional talent but the opportunity to take on my next big challenge of Droga5 London was just too alluring. Droga5 ANZ is in great hands with Barb and Damon at the helm and I have no doubt the agency will flourish under their leadership.”

Auckland, New Zealand – Two of New Zealand’s independent agencies, Thompson Spencer and Reason, have announced a landmark merger forming one of the largest independent agency groups in the country. 

Both agencies have operated for 15 years and established themselves as category leaders. The newly merged business will be known as Thompson Spencer Group, with both the Reason and Thompson Spencer businesses operating in market under the leadership of Melanie Spencer and Tim Pointer as co-CEOs. 

The merger expands Thompson Spencer Groups’ capabilities, combining digitally-led and ATL creative and media expertise with performance marketing to offer a fully integrated approach focused on delivering measurable results and a full-funnel service for brands looking to the future 

Thompson Spencer is a full-funnel creative and media agency, founded by Wendy Thompson and Melanie Spencer. The agency has an enviable line-up of clients including Bupa, Wattyl (Aus/NZ), Asahi, Honda, London City Airport, Mitre 10, Musashi, Seagrass Hospitality (Global) and Auckland Transport and completed four acquisitions in the last four years including The Social Club (influencer marketing agency); Flying Tiger (Chinese Social Media Marketing Agency), Magnesium (Accredited Media and Content Production Agency) and People of Influence (Talent Agency). 

Meanwhile, Reason, co-founded by Tim Pointer and Matt Rowe, has established itself as a leading performance agency renowned for propelling brands to exceptional results. Reason’s acquisition of Absolute Analytics in 2021 significantly enhanced the agency’s data and insight capabilities, further strengthening their ability to deliver performance-led strategies. Reason boasts an impressive roster of clients, including Chubb Life Insurance, Briscoe’s & Rebel Sport, Woolworths, Tourism Holdings (THL), Caci Clinic, Hirepool, CANZ, DoorDash NZ and Australia and Timely, demonstrating their broad expertise and proven track record across diverse sectors.

Melanie Spencer, co-founder and co-CEO of Thompson Spencer, said, “Most mergers happen when agencies need to consolidate to survive – this is the exact opposite with both businesses coming off the back of record-breaking years of growth despite the challenging economic environment.”

He added, “Both Thompson Spencer and Reason are at the top of their game. We’re growing, winning new business and making waves in our industry. The timing was right – this is about supercharging that momentum by bringing together two high-performing teams that share a bold vision for the future.”

Meanwhile, Wendy Thompson, co-founder of Thompson Spencer, commented, “This is a coming together of strengths. Clients no longer want their creative and media strategies sitting in silos. By merging with Reason, we’re creating an integrated powerhouse that blends world-class creativity with deep performance marketing expertise. We’re setting a new standard for what a modern, independent agency can deliver.”

USA – We. Communications has introduced a brand refresh that includes a new logo, an updated name, and a revised vision, reflecting its approach to helping businesses navigate communication challenges in a rapidly changing world.

The refreshed We. Communications brand focuses on simplifying complex ideas and making them more accessible. By highlighting key insights that resonate with people, the agency aims to help companies communicate effectively—whether by explaining AI advancements or making green energy innovations more understandable.

“We’ve learnt that beneath even the most unruly or unpredictable situations lies a human need. That could be for connection, credibility, joy or a sense of fulfilment. But it’s always there,” said Waggener Zorkin, founder and global CEO of We. Communications.

“It’s by pushing to uncover and speak to those truths that we can shape how people think, feel and ultimately act,” she added.

Key changes in the rebrand include a streamlined name, shifting from “WE” to “We.”, to create a more human and cohesive identity. The update aligns with the agency’s founding values and its belief that true strength comes from collaboration.

The rebrand also includes a new logo with a circular design, reflecting themes of collaboration and community. Additionally, the agency has launched an updated website focused on addressing current communication challenges and plans to release an updated ‘Brands in Motion’ study in the coming months, offering insights into shifting business landscapes.

Dawn Beauparlant, CEO of North America at We., said, “Our new brand better reflects the agency we are today. Pulling from our deep expertise navigating complexity and our willingness to run toward the hard stuff, challenge assumptions and dig deeper in a world where the answers aren’t always clear.”

Kass Sells, CEO of International at We., added, “This refresh reinforces our commitment to turning big challenges into powerful opportunities for connection, impact and growth. It’s about ensuring our clients can confidently navigate change, tell their stories in meaningful ways, and drive real progress in the world.”

For over 40 years, We. has connected technology and human experience, expanding its expertise across industries. This evolution shapes its latest brand refresh, reflecting a focus on helping clients navigate change and engage their audiences.

The updated brand will be introduced globally, with some We. companies transitioning to the new branding later in 2025.

“The ability to communicate through uncertainty and shifting landscapes is a differentiator for companies looking to lead in complex times. Whether unveiling a new drug discovery or responding to a global crisis, organisations that can articulate their purpose, engage the right stakeholders and make sense of nuanced challenges will be the ones to thrive,” shared Zorkin.

India – Digital agency ADK Global India has partnered with Mumbai-based PR firm The PR Stop. to enhance its market presence. The collaboration focuses on integrating data, creativity, and technology to refine consumer engagement strategies.

The PR Stop. specialises in content development, media relations, crisis management, brand positioning, and strategic counsel. Serving clients across creative, edtech, recruitment, and non-profit sectors, the firm leverages strategic communication to shape brand perception and drive success.

Meanwhile, ADK Global India focuses on driving client growth and enhancing customer experiences through innovation in design, technology, and user engagement. With expertise in UI/UX, social media, content creation, and search optimisation, the agency continuously evolves to stay ahead.

As demand for integrated solutions grows, ADK Global India’s partnership with The PR Stop. aims to enhance its visibility and communication efforts. The collaboration leverages The PR Stop.’s expertise in storytelling to highlight ADK Global India’s strategies to media, stakeholders, and industry influencers.

Neville Medhora, chief executive officer of ADK Global India, said, “As a challenger agency, we’re all about simplifying complexity with integrated, tech-driven solutions that deliver real impact. This collaboration will help us showcase how our adaptive approach sets us apart and drives growth in a dynamic industry.” 

Rohini Saldanha, founder & PR strategist at The PR Stop., added, “I’m thrilled to team up with ADK Global India because their innovative, cohesive approach to challenging the status quo and their commitment to client success truly inspires me. At The PR Stop., we’re all about crafting stories that cut through the noise, and this collaboration allows us to spotlight ADK Global India’s mission to lead with relevance and impact.” 

Singapore – Ogilvy One APAC has announced promotions of Jason Davey to president of growth & customer engagement, while he continues in his role as chief experience officer of Ogilvy One AUNZ. Meanwhile, Genevieve Tan, previously vice president of operations, has been promoted to president of operations. 

These promotions reinforce Ogilvy One’s commitment to client value, operational efficiency, and business impact, positioning the company for its next phase of growth.

Jason will spearhead growth, strengthen client relationships, and unlock new business opportunities by collaborating closely with teams and clients across the Ogilvy network. With a proven track record of driving business transformation and client success, his leadership will be instrumental in expanding Ogilvy One APAC’s footprint and deepening engagement with key stakeholders and clients.

“Leveraging Ogilvy One’s Relationship Design framework will unlock tangible value for our clients, and I’m excited to bring this offering to our clients across APAC. Our unique RD platform is market-leading in its use of AI to support the design of impactful customer relationships, and I’m delighted to be partnering with Genevieve to operationalise it for the region,” Jason said.

Meanwhile, Genevieve will lead the optimisation of Ogilvy One APAC’s operational infrastructure, focusing on efficiency and scalability. She will streamline processes and foster a culture of operational excellence to ensure seamless service delivery to clients, who are all looking to maximise their resources.

“Operational excellence is the foundation of delivering exceptional client experiences. I look forward to refining our processes, driving efficiency, and enhancing profitability to ensure we continue to set new benchmarks in the industry,” she stated.

Together, Jason and Genevieve will partner to drive growth and ensure seamless execution. Their combined expertise will strengthen Ogilvy One APAC’s position as an industry leader, secure new business opportunities, and elevate client impact.

Ab Gaur, CEO of Ogilvy One APAC, commented on the promotions, “Jason Davey and Genevieve Tan bring complementary strengths that will drive our next chapter of success. Jason’s ability to unlock growth opportunities and Genevieve’s operational expertise will create a powerful synergy that fuels innovation, efficiency, and business impact. I have no doubt that their leadership will elevate our client partnerships and reinforce Ogilvy One APAC’s industry leadership.”

With a global network of offices and technology hubs, Ogilvy One offers a range of services, including personalised, performance, and direct marketing that leverage creativity, data, and AI to drive business, brand, and customer value. Ogilvy One has approximately 4,000 specialists worldwide, spanning strategy, creative, design, UX/UI, data, media and performance, platform integration, creative technology, innovation, and AI, among other areas—all underpinned by a unified global technology backbone powered by Verticurl.

In the APAC region, tech hubs are established in India, Indonesia, and Vietnam, with a key focus on the markets of Australia, Singapore, Thailand, China, and Japan.

London – Heineken has extended its global media partnership with Dentsu through a new two-year contract, continuing their eight-year collaboration with the network.

Backed by a significant media investment, the extended contract will allow Dentsu to represent Heineken across 100 markets, including Mexico, Brazil, the UK, Italy, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, South Africa, Nigeria, Vietnam, and India.

Selected as Heineken’s global media partner in 2016, Dentsu solidified its role after the 2021 media consolidation. It has since driven Heineken’s digital transformation, leveraging data and technology to make digital central to its global media strategy.

Heineken has implemented new operating models to enhance its global reach and strengthen consumer connections. Dentsu will support Heineken’s evolving consumer experience strategy in the algorithmic era and assist in launching a digital-focused media value proposition.

“We’ve enjoyed a deepening relationship with dentsu over the last several years, as HEINEKEN’s approach to global media has evolved, bringing innovation and new ideas to support our global growth,” said Olya Dyachuk, global media & data director at Heineken. 

“As the world moves into the algorithmic era, finding new ways to reach and engage consumers, drive relevance, and stand out from the pack will be critical, and we’re proud to continue our partnership with dentsu on this journey,” Dyachuk added. 

Initially focused on media support, Dentsu’s services for Heineken have expanded to include CX production and creative support, meeting the needs of Heineken’s local and regional teams worldwide.

Will Swayne, global practice president—media at Dentsu, said, “This re-commitment between dentsu and HEINEKEN will take us through to a decade-long partnership that has been marked by delivering outcomes, innovation, and collaboration between our combined teams and partners.” 

“We have always driven one another to find new areas of differentiation and distinctiveness while adapting to the seismic changes that have taken place across audiences, ultimately helping to support HEINEKEN’s global ambitions. When I talk to people about dentsu’s client promise of innovating to impact, our journey with HEINEKEN is always front of mind, and we’re looking forward to taking it to a new level,” he added.

Hong Kong – Hearts & Science, an Omnicom Media Group agency, has secured the media business for AS Watson in Hong Kong following a competitive pitch, MARKETECH APAC learnt.

Effective 1 March 2025, Hearts & Science assumed responsibility for all media duties, covering both online and offline channels.

The pitch, reportedly held in the second half of 2024, saw participation from multiple agencies, including incumbent dentsu.

This appointment comes on the heels of the agency’s recent win with Warner Bros. Discovery, where it was named the media agency of record for WBD’s Theatrical and Streaming divisions across multiple Asia Pacific markets.

Earlier this year, OMG also appointed Rochelle Chhaya as APAC CEO of Hearts & Science, leading its regional expansion, including launches in Malaysia and Taiwan in Q1 2025.

Singapore – ING, a strategic communications consultancy specialising in the built environment, has announced its global expansion with the launch of its first international office in Singapore, reinforcing its commitment to supporting clients in key global markets.

ING offers a range of services, including corporate communications, strategic consultancy, research and policy development, marketing and brand consultancy, media training, and digital and social media strategy.

With its new office in Singapore, ING establishes a presence in a key global hub for business, finance, architecture, and design. The firm will provide communications support to clients in Singapore and across the Asia-Pacific region, as well as assist UK and other international businesses looking to expand their reach in the region.

The Singapore office will be led by Haziq Ariffin, recently promoted to senior strategist for APAC. With over seven years of experience in the built environment across Asia and the UK, he has managed strategic communications campaigns for clients in architecture, placemaking, real estate, and property investment.

In addition to its Singapore expansion, ING has grown its Manchester presence, adding two new clients: Civic, a consultancy focused on systems thinking for the built environment, and Habiko, a joint venture dedicated to affordable, sustainable housing.

Led by account director Lauren Teague, ING will develop communications programs to support client growth and brand visibility. The firm is also working with Regeneration Brainery to advance its mission of encouraging young people from under-represented backgrounds to pursue careers in property and regeneration.

Damian Wild, managing director of ING, said, “Manchester and Singapore are both key markets with immense potential. While Singapore strengthens our global presence, our Manchester office continues to lead regional efforts in driving growth across the North of England.” 

“Our expansion into these regions reflects our commitment to being where our clients need us most. We look forward to building strong relationships and delivering impactful communications strategies that drive success for our clients,” he added. 

Founded in London, ING marks 25 years in 2025 and became fully employee-owned in 2021. With 50 staff across three offices, the consultancy has worked with developers, investors, and industry events like MIPIM, representing delegations from Oman and Egypt. Its architecture and design clients include Büro Ole Scheeren, White Arkitekter, and Flokk.