Dentsu Appoints Chris Ernst as Chief Practice Officer, Media

​Dentsu has appointed Chris Ernst as chief practice officer, media, Australia. In this role, he will lead the national media business, driving greater integration across dentsu’s media brands and strengthening client impact through the group’s connected capabilities.

The appointment reflects dentsu’s strong internal leadership pipeline and its commitment to developing and promoting senior talent from within the organisation.

Chris brings more than 20 years’ industry experience across Australia and the UK, with deep expertise across media strategy, client leadership and business transformation. Since joining dentsu in 2019 as managing director of dentsu Queensland, he has been a key driver of performance and culture in the market, leading a sustained period of commercial growth underpinned by purpose led, people-first leadership.

Under Chris' leadership, the Queensland business achieved the highest internal agency engagement across dentsu Australia alongside record client NPS. The agency and its leadership team have received broad industry recognition, including being named an AFR Best Place to Work and securing multiple finalist placements across the B&T State Agency of the Year and People and Culture awards. Chris' leadership has also been recognised individually, including being named Next of the Best Executive Leader in 2025.

Rob Harvey, chief executive officer, dentsu ANZ said, “Chris is a people first leader who lifts the energy in every room. He builds teams that care, perform, and grow - and he brings a rare depth of client connection. It’s a testament to our internal talent that we can promote someone of Chris’ calibre. I’m confident he will take the success he’s driven in Queensland and scale it nationally for our clients and our people.”

Chris Ernst commented, “I’m honoured to step into this role at a pivotal time for our media business and for dentsu. We have extraordinary people and capability across the organisation and a unique opportunity to bring that together in powerful ways. I’m excited to work with teams nationally to build on what’s already working, strengthen collaboration and deliver meaningful growth and impact for our clients, our partners and our people.”

Chris will spend significant time in Sydney, Melbourne and Queensland, ensuring close connection to clients and teams across all markets, and will transition his base to Sydney in the first half of 2026. He will report directly to Rob Harvey and join the dentsu ANZ Executive Leadership Team.