WPP AUNZ Names New Chief Executive

In Australia, market research and media buying group WPP AUNZ has appointed former BMW Group exec Jens Monsees as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. He will take up his new role on October 1st, 2019.

The group was formed in 2016, following WPP's acquisition of a controlling stake in STW Communications. Last year, it launched a strategy consulting division called WPP AUNZ Consulting, led by former Kantar Vermeer exec Caspar Wright; opened a panel management service called Research Profile; and launched an Analytics division, led by the group's Chief Data Scientist Rob Pardini.

Monsees (pictured), who is currently based in Munich, Germany, but will relocate to Sydney to take up the role, was most recently the leader of BMW's Global Digital Strategy, Corporate Planning and Product Strategy divisions. Prior to this, he worked for Arvato, part of media services and education group Bertelsmann, latterly as Global CEO of its 'Digital Marketing' Solution Group. Earlier, he was Director of Branding across various categories at Google; and he worked for consumer goods firm Schwarzkopf - Henkel as International Brand Manager for the body, hair and skincare category.

In his new role, Monsees will replace Michael Connaghan, who left the business at the end of last year. John Steedman will continue as interim CEO until Monsees arrives, and then work with him to ensure a smooth handover, before returning to his role as Executive Director and Chairman, Media Investment Management. Commenting on Monsees' appointment, Chairman Rob Mactier said: 'Jens brings rich experience and client-side insights to the role, at a time when the changing needs of our clients are paramount. The Board also had a strong focus on the right cultural fit. Jens has built strong, diverse teams with a focus on collaborative culture creation. I have no doubt that he will inspire and lead the tremendous talent around him'.

Web site: www.wppaunz.com .