WPP AUNZ has announced it has merged its research houses AMR into Colmar Brunton. The new agency will continue under the name of Colmar Brunton.
CEO, WPP AUNZ data investment management group, Rob McLachlan said: “The move to merge AMR with Colmar Brunton is an exciting moment for our teams and our clients and is driven by our desire to provide best in class client solutions by offering boutique service experience from highly experienced senior local teams.
“Ongoing change in the marketplace has seen amplified interest in creating a stronger research proposition for clients, through a wider diversity of talents and thinking. The merge puts agility and specialist expertise at the heart of WPP AUNZ’s research offer by combining the credibility and knowledge of both brands. The result is a stronger Colmar Brunton,” he concluded.
Colmar Brunton will continue to be led by CEO Joan Young (main photo) supported by chief operating officer, Maree Taylor and chief client officer, Jenny Witham.
“Merging AMR with Colmar Brunton formalises the close working relationship we’ve had for the last year. During that time, we discovered our people share the same passion to make a difference and drive better outcomes for our clients,” said Young.
“We know greater diversity leads to more creativity and innovation – essential for today’s research market. Under the Colmar Brunton brand we now have a larger and more diverse range of specialist skills, improving our ability to meet clients changing needs and creating new opportunities for our people.
“No matter where they are based clients of both Colmar Brunton and AMR will have increased access to the best brains in the business. We will draw on a greater pool of talent and select the best mix of local servicing and specialist expertise for each project and account team. We will also be a more dynamic and exciting place to work. We’re thrilled about introducing the new look Colmar Brunton to the marketplace: it truly is a win/win situation,” Young said.
Colmar Brunton’s extended leadership team comprises Marcus Pritchard who heads the combined Colmar Brunton and AMR team in Sydney and Kirstin Couper who heads the team in Melbourne – both appointed as general managers. Corey Fisher has been promoted to national sector head of Colmar Brunton’s government business supported by Naomi Downer as national director of Social Studies. Sarah Zanker and James Wunsch have been promoted to general manager positions in Adelaide and Canberra and Adam Hinds has taken on the acting general manager role in Brisbane while Susan Ho is on parental leave.
Colmar Brunton has offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra and is part of WPP AUNZ, Australasia’s leading marketing communications group.
