McCann Sydney has appointed former BWM Dentsu CMO, Jess Tarpey (main picture) as managing partner.

In her time at BWM Dentsu, Tarpey co-chaired and drove the development of the creative industry’s first-ever ‘Reconciliation Action Plan’, a document designed to help build a bridge between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous community through a series of tangible measures. She also co-launched ‘Glug Melbourne’, a speaker series for the creative community driving provocative, future-focussed debate.

Prior to her role at BWM Dentsu, Tarpey worked for the Havas Network in both Sydney and London offices. During her tenure as head of new business for Havas London, the agency reclaimed its listing in Campaign Top 10 for New Business Billings. Previous positions also include Skype London, WCRS London and Saatchi London.

Having worked on global brands such as Virgin Mobile and Reckitt Benckiser in Sydney and Dulux, Pernod Ricard, and Peugeot in London, Tarpey is a strong addition to McCann Sydney’s leadership team.

Hazelle Klønhammer, McCann Sydney managing director said, “After an extensive global search we are delighted to have Jess on board. She’s smart as a whip with exceptional people skills and a huge heart. With her strong track record in winning new business I’m excited to see what we can achieve together.”

Tarpey commented: “I was looking for what most people are looking for in an agency; somewhere with talented, lovely people, great clients and bags of potential. I’ve found that in spades at McCann Sydney, and I can’t wait to get started.”