GroupM media agency MEC today named its chief strategy officer, James Hier, as CEO of MEC Australia and New Zealand. The announcement was made by Peter Vogel, who steps up to a regional role for the agency.
Speaking on the appointment, Vogel (pictured above) said: “MEC is a brilliant agency with an incredibly strong and successful management team. James brings valuable strategic and digital experience as well as robust management experience to the role and so was absolutely the best person to succeed me. With James at the helm, I’m confident that MEC will continue to thrive, grow and innovate, delivering on our ambition to be our clients’ most valued business partner.”
Hier said: “I am thrilled to take on this role and thank Peter for his confidence and guidance. It’s an exciting time for MEC in Australia and New Zealand. We have excellent talent and a focused business strategy in the areas of data management, content development and tech innovation. Our capabilities to develop personalised customer engagement on mass will help our clients grow their brands and businesses.”
Since Peter and James joined MEC in Australia five and a half years ago the agency has doubled in size, with notable new business successes such as Nestlé, Netflix, Domino’s Pizza, Allianz, Channel 7, Blackmores, South Australia Government, Combe, Menarini, RSPCA and Tiffany. The agency has also excelled in talent initiatives including in earlier this year becoming the first agency within GroupM to implement the ‘Floor is closed’ program.
Vogel has also been appointed as regional head for Asia Pacific. The announcement was made by Charles Courtier, global CEO.
Speaking on the appointment, Courtier said: “Peter is one of our industry’s most seasoned business leaders and the natural choice to take on this crucial role. He has done an amazing job for us as CEO of Australia over the past five and half years doubling, the size of the agency and infusing it with a thriving culture.In his new role he’s intent on developing MEC’s framework in Asia Pacific to drive real change and growth in the region. I’m confident that he’s a leader with the right blend of strategic vision and business acumen to get us there.”
Vogel said of the appointment: “I am honoured to be taking on this new role. APAC is the growth engine of the global economy and provides the biggest growth opportunity for our international organisation. This is not only an exciting opportunity, it’s also a big responsibility for all of us in the region; if APAC grows, MEC grows. I’m relishing the challenge to create long-term sustainable growth for MEC. We have the talent, the passion and track record to succeed.”
Since Peter joined MEC Australia five and a half years ago the agency has had notable new business successes, including Nestlé, Netflix, Domino’s Pizza, Allianz, Channel 7, Blackmores, South Australia Government, Combe, Menarini, RSPCA and Tiffany.
