Former vice president of digital production at Alcone Marketing Group, an Omnicom Agency, John McGuire has joined the King Content team as general manager of its Melbourne office

In a move to reshape the Melbourne company structure due to the team’s rapidly expanding client portfolio, King Content is making some strategic alterations. McGuire will oversee all of the agency’s Melbourne-based clients, management of staff, as well as the day-to-day operations of the business.

Prior to King Content, McGuire was VP of production and technology at Story Worldwide in New York. McGuire has held various senior leadership positions in production, technology and innovation at firms including Harris Connect, Modern Media, the PGA TOUR and NBC Sports.

McGuire has shepherd large digital & mobile engagements for General Motors, IBM, PGA TOUR, Harvard University, Brown Forman, Lexus and Unilever among others.

McGuire’s strong experience in technology, business development and innovation will boost King Content’s capabilities to grow its omnichannel content strategies, making the agency a perfect match for brands looking to personalise their customer experiences and relationships across multiple platforms.

McGuire’s appointment comes at an exciting time for King Content, following the company’s recent acquisition by APAC’s leading media intelligence company Isentia, and becoming Agency of the Year for the second time at the Content Marketing Institute’s Orange Awards.

He said of the appointment: “It’s amazing how Australians have such a strong understanding of the integral role digital plays in the future of business. Australian companies are so advanced in their marketing skill levels, sophisticated data methods, organisational online alignment and their attitudes towards digital adoption. Australia, being so far away from the big thinkers and powerhouses in the US, can sometimes be overlooked. However, the region’s level of expertise and sophistication are far more aligned with the US than people assume.

“The Australian marketing industry is a force to be reckoned with, and emerging markets across the APAC region will provide a spotlight for Australia to showcase its digitally advanced practices and methodologies to the rest of the world.

“I am looking forward to joining the Melbourne team and partnering with brands to build relationships with customers in this exciting digital era.”

Cameron Upshall, director at King Content Melbourne, said: “The Melbourne office has transitioned from a team of two into an army of 24 in just two short years. With our client base continuing to multiply, it was necessary to hire a motivated professional to drive day-to-day operations.

“John brings with him a wealth of experience in our space – not to mention an undying passion for digital. I’m confident that John will be the perfect fit for leading an inspiring team of very talented individuals.”