WPP Media New Zealand names Sarah Kenny as Head of Data and Technology

New Zealand – WPP Media New Zealand has appointed Sarah Kenny as its new Head of Data and Technology, a newly created role aimed at strengthening the agency network’s data and technology capabilities in the local market.

The appointment reflects the company’s efforts to support client growth as marketing becomes increasingly shaped by first-party data, addressable media, and AI-powered optimisation.

Kenny brings more than two decades of experience across agency, client-side and consultancy roles. She returns to New Zealand after working in the United Kingdom, where she most recently served as head of data and technology solutions at Wavemaker under WPP Media UK. 

In that role, she led unified data and technology capabilities spanning consulting, ad operations and client strategy, while helping develop end-to-end product roadmaps for client solutions.

She also contributed to the WPP UK team that secured the UK Government’s lead media agency contract in December 2025, a major account win driven by the network’s AI-powered audience insights and data capabilities through WPP Open.

Commenting on the appointment, John Halpin, CEO of WPP Media New Zealand, said the role reflects the growing importance of data and technology in modern marketing.

“Data and technology have shifted from a specialist function to the engine room of modern marketing,” Halpin said. “Sarah is exceptional at turning complexity into commercial advantage for clients. Her experience building world-class data capability in the UK, combined with her understanding of the New Zealand market, makes her ideally placed to lead this critical capability for WPP Media New Zealand.”

Kenny said the move represents an opportunity to help brands navigate increasingly complex data environments.

“Returning to New Zealand to lead WPP Media’s data and technology strategy feels like a true homecoming, especially with the chance to work on the brands I grew up with. I’m excited to help our clients simplify complex data landscapes into clear, actionable strategies that deliver real commercial impact, connect their brands with consumers and position them for sustainable growth in the AI era.”

In her new role, Kenny will report to Halpin and oversee the network’s data and technology strategy in New Zealand, including initiatives across audience strategy, marketing technology, campaign measurement and first-party data activation.

She will also work across the agency brands EssenceMediacom, Mindshare and Wavemaker as a senior data and technology partner for key clients, while managing technology vendor relationships, integrating global data infrastructure, and advancing capabilities such as AI-powered analytics and personalisation.

Her appointment takes effect immediately.