Arrivals & Departures

PHD names Nikki Grafton as managing director of Spark PHD and PHDiQ: Omnicom Media Group NZ agency PHD Group has announced a key appointment, marking changes to its senior leadership structure.

Interbrand Taps Mark Jenner: Global brand strategy and design agency Interbrand has appointed Mark Jenner as managing director of its New Zealand operation, with effect from 30 March. Jenner will be responsible for growing Omnicom shop Interbrand’s business with existing clients, developing new relationships and designing new products and services, all with the aim of helping New Zealand organisations build growth strategies and unleash value from their brands.

Scott Henderson goes it alone: Y&R Wellington CD Scott Henderson has handed in his cards after three years in the job, and is setting up his own independent strategic and creative consultancy in Wellington.

Ambba Kuthiala Joins Creative Crowdsourcing Platform eYeka: Former Publicis Singapore GM Ambba Kuthiala is to join global crowdsourcing creative agency eYeka as managing director for Asia Pacific. eYeka set up an office in Auckland last month under the helmsmanship of The Dept.’s Trevor Moodie, but Kuthiala will continue to be based in Singapore.

Boyd PR appoints China specialist: Auckland-based public relations consultancy BPR has appointed Zhao Ling as an account manager, charged with focusing on opportunities with China.

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MediaWorks poaches TRB pair: MediaWorks has appointed Gerhard Simanke and Johnathan Schaffer – both from The Radio Bureau. Simanke will work in a senior group agency role and Schaffer in a radio strategy & planning manager.

Two new appointments at NZME.: Tracey Fox has been promoted into a new role leading a centralised group creative team. Previously, she has been general manager marketing NZME. Radio (for the past two years), overseeing marketing of all their radio brands through a time of major transformation.

Senior staff appointed at OMD Group: Two senior staff have joined OMD on College Hill, with Georgina McKinnon appointed as head of Fuse and Jono Sorenson coming in as account director on Air New Zealand.

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THE POND EXPANDS: Creative talent agency The Pond is ramping up its permanent placement capabilities with the addition of senior talent agent Melanie O’Callaghan.

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Content creator, marketing developer, online manager, designer and photographer Lee Gilmour has returned to MediaWorks Radio and accepted a role in the group marketing team. Her focus will be digital and social activation across all brands.