Australia – UM Australia, the media arm of media marketing network Mediabrands, has appointed Mat Rawnsley, former head of strategy of independent advertising agency The Hallway, to assume the newly created role of national head of planning.

Rawnsley brings with him deep experience across communications planning and strategy. Aside from his previous role in The Hallway, Rawnsley also worked as the strategy group head of media firm OMD. He also used to be the head of media and communications planning of advertising company The Monkeys.

Commenting on his appointment, Rawnsley said that the new role represents a fantastic opportunity to invigorate the lost craft of comms planning.

“And to be able to do it in a media agency that I am convinced is consistently the smartest in Australia, and with a remarkable client list, is an irresistible combination,” added Rawnsley.

Rawnsley will start his new role on 10 January 2022, and will report directly to UM’s national chief strategy officer, Raj Gupta

Gupta commented, “Our commitment to the craft of planning has led to the creation of the new national head of planning role and we are really excited to have someone of Mat’s experience and expertise to fill the role.”