Wunderman Thompson has strengthened its Melbourne leadership team, promoting Suzanne Sarkis to the position of Melbourne partner.

Sarkis will return from maternity leave to take up the position in December, retaining her senior role of head of CRM and marketing automation.

John Gutteridge, CEO of Wunderman Thompson ANZ, said Sarkis has been an integral player in the unity of Wunderman Thompson culturally, while boosting national digital capabilities.

“Suzanne has successfully led the growth of Wunderman Thompson’s CRM and marketing automation capability nationally, with clients including Victorian Government, Viva Energy, Adidas and Transurban. She has done an outstanding job in leading the CRM and MA practice and has ultimately helped lead many clients to significant growth. We can’t wait for her to return and have a more holistic influence across the business as a Partner in Melbourne.”

Sarkis added: “Client demands have shifted in the past year. We’ve seen significant increases in the demand for our CRM and marketing automation capability as CMOs and business leaders see the impact that data and personalisation has on their bottom line. As partner, my experience in data marketing will help drive the Wunderman Thompson ethos and deliver real value to our clients and people.”

Sarkis joins Nick Muncaster (partner Melbourne), and Michael Godwin (managing partner Melbourne) on the leadership team, which has been tasked with overseeing continued growth and expansion of the Melbourne office.