Tag: Matt Parry

Sydney, Australia – Marketing communications agency Wunderman Thompson has announced the promotion of Gavin Bain, previously national managing director of the agency’s Australian operations, to chief executive officer. The change comes as outgoing Australia CEO, Matt Parry, moves to Hong Kong as WPP team Helix Business Lead for HSBC in Asia-Pacific.

In the new role, Bain will spearhead the continued evolution of the agency’s Australian business through creativity, consulting, and technology capabilities to drive broader organisational impact for clients. 

Bain will also bring with him over 30 years of experience in the marketing and advertising industry to the role, having worked in senior client roles at Bankwest and Adelaide Bank, as well as executive agency roles at Marketforce and independent agency Meerkats, where he was CEO for over 10 years. 

Speaking about his new appointment, Bain commented, “I’m thrilled to be taking on this new role and lead such a talented team as we continue to drive further growth and greater impact for our clients.”

He added, “The strong brand and communications approach we’re known for has been strengthened with key capabilities, including business transformation, EX, CX, strategic design, technology, data, and commerce, all connected to help grow the ambitious brands we partner with.”

He likewise wished for Parry’s success in moving into the new role. 

Meanwhile, Parry will lead WPP’s team Helix for HSBC APAC, one of the group’s key global clients, and will relocate to be based in Hong Kong. Before his move to Sydney, Parry was managing director of Wunderman Thompson Hong Kong, growing the agency to be one of the strongest in the market. 

“Wunderman Thompson will continue to grow from strength to strength under Gavin’s brilliant leadership and the team of outstanding individuals that make up the business in Australia. I’m proud of what this group has already achieved, and what is sure to come for them,” said Parry on the new appointments. 

Bain and Parry’s new roles will be effective immediately.

This follows Wunderman Thompson’s leadership appointment spree, including Shailesh Iyer’s appointment to the agency as chief strategy officer for Singapore.

Singapore – Advertising company Wunderman Thompson has elevated former CEO for ANZ Lee Leggett to the company’s role of chief growth officer for Asia-Pacific. Through the new role, she will lead the strategic growth for the network with a focus on new business and key clients across the region.

In addition, Wunderman Thompson has also announced the elevation of Matt Parry, former managing director for the agency’s Sydney office, to the position of CEO for Australia.

With more than 20 years of digital and international experience, Leggett first joined Wunderman Thompson in June 2020. Through her tenure as CEO for ANZ, the company has clocked in several achievements, including the appointment as UNDP’s global digital experience agency and business wins including the University of Melbourne, Department of Education and NSW Rural Fire Service.

Speaking about her appointment, Leggett said, “I have felt honoured to have spent the last few years running our Australian business and looking after our people and clients in such an extraordinary time. To be able to do that across the region is a brilliant opportunity. Our business in Australia is in great hands with Matt and the rest of the team and I look forward to being able to continue to work with them as I start my new APAC role in 2022.”

Meanwhile, Parry began his career with the network in 2006, before moving to Asia in 2012. Before his move to Sydney, Parry was formerly managing director of Wunderman Thompson Hong Kong where he grew the agency to be one of the strongest in the market.

Speaking on his appointment, he said, “The Wunderman Thompson business in Australia has amazing people, capabilities and clients. I couldn’t be happier to take up this role, and to carry on Lee’s brilliant work in setting us up for a fantastic 2022.”

Both Leggett and Parry will report to Ewen Sturgeon, CEO International at Wunderman Thompson.

“Over the past two years, Lee has created a strong Australian business with inspiring momentum behind it, and this new regional role is a testament to her work. Lee leaves it in a great position for Matt, who I have no doubt will continue this success and take Australia to new heights,” Sturgeon said.