Merkle, leading technology-enabled, performance marketing agency and part of Dentsu Aegis Network, has appointed Ted Stites as Managing Director of Australia and New Zealand.

The appointment is effective immediately and is in addition to Stites’ current role as executive vice president, customer experience and marketing technology solutions in APAC.

The managing director role is the first of its kind for Merkle in ANZ and signals the agency’s commitment to the region, with APAC a key growth market.

In his new role, Stites will lead the rapid growth Merkle is experiencing in the ANZ market and bring together the strategic capabilities Merkle has acquired in DWA, Columbus and Amicus Digital.

Stites will continue to lead the APAC solutions team charged with driving growth in the region.

Stites joined Merkle in March 2015, holding key leadership roles in the Americas and most recently as executive vice president, customer experience and marketing technology solutions in APAC.

With nearly 20 years’ experience in the industry, Stites’ leadership and strategic nous will accelerate Merkle’s ability to deliver unparalleled value through people-based marketing for clients in the region.

Stites reports to Zhengda ‘Z’ Shen, president Merkle Asia Pacific and Simon Ryan, Dentsu Aegis Network ANZ CEO.

Dentsu Aegis Network CEO ANZ Simon Ryan said: “Since launching Merkle locally earlier this year, we’ve received a rapid and positive response.

“Clients are seeing the opportunity and value to create competitive advantage through people based marketing solutions, with Merkle offering a truly unique proposition in market.

“Ted’s experience in leadership and client service will be strong addition to help unite the Merkle offering locally as we continue to expand.

Zhengda Shen said: “We are committed to growing our presence in Australia and expanding Merkle into New Zealand, and the market is responding well to the Merkle offering.

“Ted’s background across all our services and leading our go to market solutions across APAC make him the perfect fit to lead the region.”

Ted Stites said: “I am excited to be working with the Australian team.  The capabilities we have and the energy the team brings to work is infectious.

“We look forward to working hard to bring the Merkle vision to life for our clients and helping them drive greater success within their business through Merkle’s services.”