Nine’s Matt James Returns To ZenithOptimedia, As CEO Ian Perrin Moved To Internal Role

Nine’s Matt James Returns To ZenithOptimedia, As CEO Ian Perrin Moved To Internal Role
B&T Magazine
By B&T Magazine



ZenithOptimedia today announced a change in leadership of its business in Australia. After four years at the helm of the business, Ian Perrin is moving into a new role within the ZenithOptimedia network. In a carefully-planned move, the agency has announced the arrival of Matt James (pictured above), currently Group Director of NEC Sales at Nine Entertainment, as its new CEO.

Perrin and James will be working together to create a smooth transition for the agency and its clients over the coming months.

Gerry Boyle, APAC chairman of ZenithOptimedia said of the changes: “I would like to thank Ian for his leadership, openness and close collaboration over the years. Ian had always been clear with us that he planned to move on after four years leading the business, and that time has come. We are so pleased to have a leader like Matt to succeed Ian, and I look forward to working with him. With ZenithOptimedia, our brand new Performics business and the Match/Blue 449 proposition, we have a group that is in great shape for the future”.

Ian Perrin said, “I have loved my four years at ZenithOptimedia, and I am really proud of what we have achieved in that time. We have made two strategic acquisitions in Match Media and FirstClick that will position the business strongly for the future; we have been the best performing media agency at the Effies for the past two years; and we have radically diversified our client mix with new clients complementing our longstanding portfolio. So with the foundations laid, the time feels right for me to move on to the next challenge. And I could not think of a better person to hand over the reins to than Matt James. There are few people in the market who has the breadth of his skills he possesses, and I have no doubt that the agency will go from strength to strength under his leadership”.

Matt James, the incoming CEO said of his appointment, “I am absolutely delighted to be returning to the Publicis Groupe family as the next leader of ZenithOptimedia Australia. I have had four fantastic years at Nine Entertainment Co. helping to lead both Mi9 and Powered to a number one market position in Australia, and now I look forward to reuniting with the agency network domain where I have operated for nearly 25 years. Ian will be handing over a business that is in great shape and I am excited at the prospect of what we will be able to achieve for both our clients and businesses over the ensuing years”.




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