GroupM has announced that Sebastian Rennie is returning to Australia as chief investment officer to lead GroupM’s evolved Investment & Partnerships function.
With more than 20 years’ experience in media and trading, Rennie has spent the past three years in GroupM Canada as chief investment officer. During this time he has driven market-leading innovation including the introduction of new Investment management technologies, and the launch, roll out and growth of GroupM’s addressable TV business Finecast and Out of Home business Kinetic.
Back in Australia, he will oversee the GroupM Investment & Partnerships function, drive innovation, maximise the performance of the group’s media agencies and deliver clients best in class media solutions and value in line with GroupM’s Responsible Investment framework.
Ashutosh Srivastava, GroupM APAC CEO, said: “Seb is well-known and well-respected in the Australian media marketplace and perfectly placed to take on this high-profile role at the forefront of driving industry change, best practice and business growth. Seb is a world class operator in Investment and Partnerships, with strong relationships across Australian media, and a global perspective. We are pleased to welcome him back to the region for the next phase of his career with GroupM, after a successful and productive three years driving value for our clients in Canada.”
Rennie added: “I’m over the moon to be returning to Australia and taking up a leadership position with GroupM as the business transforms around a clear vision to be responsible for shaping the next era of media where advertising works better for people. It’s been a real pleasure to work with Stuart Garvie and the Canada team and our media partners to deliver clients unrivalled competitive advantage. I’m eager to get back to Australia and join the team to help enable the ongoing evolution of investment across GroupM’s agencies and products.”
Rennie will be relocating back to Sydney with his family and starting the role in June.
Rennie will work closely with Interim General Manager of Investment Claire Butterworth and the investment leads in GroupM agencies, Mindshare, MediaCom, Wavemaker and Essence, as well as GroupM’s digital and tech leads including Chief Technology & Transformation Officer Ryan Menezes, and newly appointed MD of GroupM Services Willie Pang.
