Australia – Dentsu International has today announced the appointment of Danny Bass as chief executive officer of its media portfolio across the ANZ market, overseeing the strategic direction and growth of the Carat, iProspect, and dentsu X brands.
Bass brings more than 20 years’ experience in digital media, most recently as director of Snap, Inc and formerly CEO of IPG Mediabrands Australia. His background has included building an industry-recognised digital trading platform to change the way media is bought and sold, and he played a pivotal role in establishing the digital arms of News Corp Australia.
Angela Tangas, CEO of dentsu ANZ, commented, “Modern media has never been more important as a powerful driver of business growth for brands. Its effectiveness is unlocked through horizontal creativity that when combined with data and technology, breeds new dimensions of sustainable performance for brands.”
“Danny was a natural choice to lead our Media business with a strong values alignment to dentsu, as a force for good in the industry, focussed on client first outcomes, and as an active advocate of workplace equality, diversity, and inclusion. He brings a leadership style influenced by his work in the for-purpose space, supported by his role as Chairman of UnLtd,” added Tangas.
Tangas shared that Bass will be partnering alongside its Dentsu Creative, Merkle and Solutions teams, rounding out broad leadership expertise and capabilities both in the ANZ market and globally.
Bass himself commented, “The media landscape is changing rapidly, and clients are increasingly looking for simplicity while still wanting to access diverse capabilities and world-class innovation, but with local smarts. Over the last few years, I’ve been observing how dentsu has transformed and differentiated themselves in the ANZ market. It’s exciting for our industry, our clients, and the future generation of our talent where creativity everywhere creates so much more value.”
He added, “Dentsu has turned a corner and is gaining significant momentum in market. I was inspired to join the business not only because of the journey the team has been on under Angela’s innovative leadership, but the vision for what’s next. This includes working alongside a group of people who are genuinely committed to impactful outcomes that benefit clients, their people, and the broader community.”
Bass will be joining the business from 1 August 2022. He will be supported by a senior leadership team across Carat, iProspect, and dentsu X.
Meanwhile, in other regional offices of the network, fresh leadership is also being inaugurated within the media team such as dentsu Philippines’ Mako Chaves as its new head of media.