Melissa Fein, managing director at Accenture Song is set to depart the Australian and New Zealand arm for the US in October to lead the region’s media business. Sam Geer will step in Fein’s vacant spot and lead ANZ’s media.
Fein is one of the country’s most widely respected and liked media agency executives and has been pivotal in building an insurgent threat to many of the country’s larger and more established media agencies from scratch after departing Initiative just two years ago.
Since joining Accenture Song in 2024, Fein, alongside Geer and #2 Best of the Best media agency strategists Chris Colter, has built a differentiated media business that brings together media, creativity, technology, data and customer experience to drive growth for clients.
Under Fein’s leadership, Australia and New Zealand have become an important example of how media can operate within Accenture Song, helping clients connect marketing investment more directly to business growth and customer outcomes.
Under her leadership Accenture Song landed the Optus account last year, Australia Post at the beginning of 2026 and most recently Medibank.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built across ANZ, and of the team that made it possible. We set out to build a media capability that was more connected, more client-focused and more directly tied to growth. The opportunity now is to bring those learnings to the US, while continuing to collaborate with colleagues and clients across Accenture Song globally. I am excited to help connect ideas, talent and innovation across markets as we continue shaping what modern media can look like for clients,” Fein said in a statement.
Australia and New Zealand remain strategic growth markets for Accenture Song. Under the leadership of Accenture Song ANZ Lead Bronwyn van der Merwe and Marketing Lead Matt Michael, Geer will lead the region’s media business going forward, supported by Chris Colter and Nick Thomas. As part of Accenture Song’s global network, Melissa will continue to bring her expertise and relationships to clients across ANZ.
“Melissa brings extensive experience across the media ecosystem and market-tested experience from ANZ, where she helped build connected capability rooted in client growth. Her leadership, expertise, and client-centric approach will be a tremendous asset to our team, and we’re excited to welcome her to the US,” said Ami Palan, head of Accenture Song Americas on the appointment.
“Mel’s appointment is a proud moment for our ANZ business and a clear recognition of the media capability together. Her leadership has helped create real momentum in the market, and that momentum continues with a deep bench of talent and strong client relationships. Our ANZ clients remain in excellent hands as we move into the next phase of growth,” added Matt Michael, Droga5 ANZ CEO and Accenture Song ANZ marketing lead.
