FCB Media has today announced the appointment of Rufus Chuter to the position of managing director and Angela Spain to head of brand experience.
These appointments effectively replace FCB Media’s previously leadership, which consisted of three heads of media (no MD).
Rufus Chuter replaces Simon Teagle, who is taking an extended holiday. Angela Spain was previously head of PR & Social at FCB – a role she retains alongside her new responsibilities at FCB Media.
Chuter (previously head of media and strategy at FCB Media), and Spain (previously head of PR, Activation & Social) will take up the positions with immediate effect and will lead the FCB Media team.
FCB chairman Bryan Crawford said: “It is great to see Rufus and Angela’s experience and leadership ability recognised with these promotions and I look forward to the even bigger impact on the agency as a whole in future.”
Rufus Chuter said: “It’s a real privilege to be given the opportunity. The team’s record speaks for itself so I’m looking forward to continuing that momentum and shaping the next chapter alongside Angela and the leadership team.”
Angela Spain said: “We have a great challenge to build on our agency of the year accolade in 2016. Alongside Rufus and our leadership team, I’m excited about that opportunity and motivating our talented team to continue to deliver excellent results for our clients in 2017.”
Thrive Auckland taps Lucy Kennedy
Thrive PR (offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland) has appointed Lucy Kennedy as its Auckland office lead.
Lucinda Kennedy (nee East) is a Kiwi with specialised experience in New Zealand and abroad (notably, a four-year stint in New York at Baltz PR.
She’s has led public relations campaigns for global clients Marcus Samuelsson Group, AvroKo, Pop Up Globe and Bird on a Wire. She has also worked as a journalist at ACP Media and Bauer Media and consequently has a deep network of contacts as well as an insider’s understanding of how the ever-changing media industry works.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Thrive team,” she said. “Thrive is a nimble independent agency, working with some of the biggest brands. I am excited to be delivering innovative and effective strategies both to the New Zealand market and across ANZ.”
Thrive’s Australian-based MD Leilani Abels said: “I am delighted that Thrive continues to attract the best local industry talent. As an independent mid-sized agency, we invest in resources and our team like a major global agency yet we behave like a boutique agency with first class, hands-on service. Thrive has unique capabilities and elasticity which is a real advantage to our clients.”
Thrive Auckland is at 22 Customs St, ph 09 601 8982.
Augusto goes global
NZ-headquartered content/creative/production agency Augusto has appointed Angus McNab as its US-based new chief strategy and international officer. Previously, he was EVP at Perform Group North America.
McNab led Perform’s content division in the US through a period of significant growth, building revenue and relationships with major sports broadcasters such as NBC Universal, Major League Soccer, U.S. Soccer, North American Soccer League, and other digital media companies.
“I’m delighted to join Augusto’s talented, diverse and passionate team,” McNab said. “The company’s work over the last couple of years has been nothing short of fantastic and I will be really proud to continue that as we grow the business in new markets.”
“I’m also really proud of the work I have done with Perform over the last six years. It’s very gratifying to see soccer broadcasts in the US and know you played a small part in supporting the producers with ideas to create compelling content.
“Also having built relationships with teams to help in their recruitment and scouting – seeing all of the teams you worked with in the MLS Conference Finals as we did last year – was a personal highlight,” he said.
On Augusto’s international plans, Augusto co-founder/MD Michelle Walshe said: “Angus’ appointment is a key one for us as we look to grow our business overseas. He’s someone who we’ve known and worked with for a while and is a great fit for us culturally. His appointment brings us new capability in the field of data strategy for leagues and governing bodies is something we feel will be a huge asset in our ability to service our current clients and new roster of partners.”
Augusto (whose work covers film, television, digital, design and animation) enjoyed a record 2016, Walshe says. The company continue their work with Samsung, Adidas, AIG and Wendy’s in campaigns that reached global audiences. They also released Chasing Great, Augusto’s first feature film that follows Richie McCaw through his final season. The film smashed domestic records at the NZ box and will have its French debut in April on Canal+.
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