Fiona Johnston Exits Dentsu

Fiona Johnston will exit Dentsu this Friday after her role was made redundant, a week after fellow Dentsu CEO Kirsty Muddle was appointed Ogilvy CEO.

The business is creating a flatter leadership structure and removing Fiona's role of CEO – client and commercial, and practice president – media. It will not replace Kirsty's former role of CEO - product and practices. Last year, the business restructured in AUNZ to form the two verticals.

“Our goal is to create a simpler and more competitive business. For us to move faster, with greater clarity and with more agility, we need to first remove duplication and complexity from our operating model," ANZ CEO Rob Harvey said.

“I’d like to thank Fi for her contribution and commitment. She has played an important role in shaping our Media business, including securing new clients, fostering growth with existing partners and building a connected leadership team across all our Australian offices. We wish her every success in the future.

“I appreciate there’s been some big changes to our business lately. We are seeing this as an opportunity to realign our model and ensure it best supports our strategic capabilities and strategy. We are fortunate to have a strong leadership team across Australia and Aotearoa, and these changes signal the beginning of the next chapter for dentsu ANZ – one built on simplicity, connection and clarity.”

Rob will step in to oversee the media practice across both Australia and New Zealand. Following Kirsty's exit, Dentsu promoted CSO David Halter to chief practice officer - creative while the business reviews "the future needs of our Creative practice". Vanessa Nicol was appointed chief operations officer - creative.

​Rob became ANZ CEO in August following the departure of Patricio de Matteis, with 25 years' experience in media and strategy.

New Zealand co-CCO Brett Colliver is currently leading the region in an interim role following the departure of Ben Coulson.