Fiona Johnston will depart Dentsu at the end of this week.
Currently, the CEO – client and commercial, and practice resident, Johnston has been with the business for just shy of three years, having joined from IPG Mediabrands.
Her departure follows hot on the heels of Kirsty Muddle’s announcement that she will be joining Ogilvy. B&T understands the two are unconnected. Johnston’s departure is also unconnected to the rumoured sale of Dentsu’s international business, though the Japanese holdco has never confirmed any of these rumours.
Dentsu is removing Johnston’s current role, and the change is designed to bring greater simplicity to its business, including a flatter leadership structure. Now, the holdco is realigning its model to best support its strategic capabilities and Media ++ strategy.
In a statement, Rob Harvey, dentsu ANZ CEO:
“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.
“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.”
Harvey is stepping up to oversee the media practice across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
