Zenith Australia has promoted Brisbane managing director Warwick Taylor into a newly created chief operating officer role, with Kate Lippett stepping up to replace him as managing director of the agency’s Brisbane office.
The appointments are effective immediately, with both Taylor and Lippett joining Zenith Australia’s Executive Leadership Team.
Taylor moves into the national COO role after more than eight years at Zenith, including the past two as managing director and national head of operations in Brisbane.
In his new role, Taylor will focus on strengthening operational excellence across Zenith nationally, with responsibility for scaling capability, driving innovation and supporting client outcomes as the agency continues to grow.
The creation of the COO position comes as Zenith’s national operations increase in scale, with Taylor taking his experience from leading the Brisbane business into a broader operational remit.
“It has been a privilege to lead the Zenith Brisbane team over the past eight years, the last two alongside Kate in her previous role as general manager,” Taylor said.
“I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together and grateful for the support of the team, clients and our media partners across that time.
“I’m excited to take those experiences to a national role, partnering with our people and clients across the country to help them continue to thrive in a constantly evolving market.”
Lippett will take over as Brisbane managing director, moving up from her previous role as general manager. She has been with Zenith for more than four years and will be responsible for the Brisbane business’ commercial performance, growth, culture and client leadership.
Her promotion also puts her on Zenith Australia’s Executive Leadership Team.
“I’m incredibly honoured to be appointed managing director of Zenith Brisbane, an agency defined by its exceptional people, strong culture and valued client partnerships, and to build on the outstanding legacy Warwick has created,” Lippett said.
“Brisbane is one of Australia’s most exciting and fast-growing markets, and I’m energised by the opportunity to lead such a talented team as we continue helping our clients unlock new opportunities and navigate change.”
Zenith Australia CEO Jason Tonelli said the appointments reflected the depth of leadership talent within the agency, as well as its continued growth.
“Warwick has played a critical role in building high-performing teams and helping to shape the culture and capabilities that underpin our business today,” Tonelli said.
“His experience, leadership and deep understanding of our clients make him a natural fit for this role.”
On Lippett’s promotion, Tonelli said she had demonstrated “strong leadership, commercial acumen and a deep commitment to our people, clients and culture”.
“Importantly, having two Brisbane-based leaders on our national Executive Leadership Team reflects both the depth of talent we have in Queensland and our long-term commitment to investing in Brisbane as a critical growth market shaping the future of our business,” he said.
