WPP AUNZ has announced the appointment of industry veteran Rob McLachlan as CEO of its Data Investment Management Group.

McLachlan will oversee 12 agencies covering the research, training and change management sectors as CEO, helping to drive continued success and new business growth, while developing further cross-agency collaboration.

A well-known and proven operations and business manager within the sector, McLachlan has been with WPP AUNZ (and previously STW Group) for more than 10 years, undertaking a range of senior finance and operations roles during this time.

Prior to joining WPP, he worked as finance director at ACNielsen for 19 years, and at AGB McNair as chief financial officer.

WPP AUNZ chief executive Mike Connaghan said: “Our Data Investment Management Group is an important driver of growth within WPP AUNZ and is ready to move into its next phase of business and capability development.

“Rob has a long and distinguished career in this sector and is perfectly placed to work closely with our agencies to ensure they expand and provide strong business solutions for our wide client base.

“Rob’s broad skills in finance and management will also help our agencies build and maintain talented teams and best practice outputs.

“This is testament to Rob’s important contribution to the industry, and I am delighted for him to take this leadership role and drive further opportunities.”

Commenting on his new role, McLachlan said: “I look forward to leading the leading market research and data management group in Australia and New Zealand. It’s a dynamic group of highly-talented staff which together are ideally positioned to deliver a full suite of solutions.”

“Each of the agencies within the group have their own specialisations, and together they are a powerhouse of business capability that have both local expertise, teamed with global know-how on tap.

“It’s an exciting time for the sector and our group, and I’m thrilled to take on this new challenge.”

Agencies within WPP AUNZ’s Data Investment Management group include Phuel, Human, Buchanan, Beyond Analysis, Kantar Millward Brown, Kantar TNS (Australia and NZ), Kantar Vermeer, Kantar Colmar Brunton (Australia and NZ), AMR and ORU.

McLachlan’s new position is effective immediately.