GroupM, the media investment management group of WPP AUNZ, has announced the promotion of Nicola Lewis to the role of Chief Investment Officer.

Nicola Lewis will replace Seb Rennie, who is departing the group in late April. Lewis will transition from her current role as Chief Investment Officer of Mindshare Australia to her new position in early April.

Rennie has spent the past decade with GroupM Australia, leading the group’s trading and investment strategy since June 2015. Prior to being named GroupM Chief Investment Officer, he spent close to seven years as Chief Investment Officer of MEC Australia.

A highly respected media executive, Lewis joined Mindshare as Chief Investment Officer in 2014, having previously spent her career on media owner side, including as NSW Sales Director of News Corp Australia and National Sales Director of News Digital Media. She has extensive experience across all channels and digital integration.

GroupM Australia & New Zealand CEO Mark Lollback said: “Nicola is a high-calibre leader with an impressive knowledge of trading best practices across media. In her new role, she will ensure that GroupM continues to deliver optimum media value and best-in-class investment solutions for the benefit of our clients.

“It’s a major advantage for our clients and people to be able to make these talent movements within the organisation. Nicola will work closely with Seb over the next couple of months to ensure a smooth transition. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Seb for his commitment and strong leadership within GroupM over the past decade and wish him luck in the future.”

Nicola said “I feel very privileged to take on this new challenge with GroupM & can’t wait to evolve the role for the future with the agency CIO’s, our blue chip clients & media partners. My time at Mindshare has been invaluable & one of the best elements of my new role is that I will continue to work closely with the team.”

Katie Rigg-Smith CEO Mindshare said “I am so excited for Nicola and what she will bring to the GroupM role.  We have thoroughly enjoyed having her drive MindShare’s investment strategy and look forward to continuing working with Nicola in her new capacity as GroupM Chief Investment Officer.”

Mindshare is undertaking a thorough search within its global network & externally for a replacement for Nicola and this will be announced down the track.