Merkle Names New ANZ Chief Executive

Data-driven customer experience management (CXM) company Merkle has appointed long time PwC Australia exec John Riccio as Chief Executive Officer in the ANZ region, succeeding Erik Hallander who is leaving to 'pursue other opportunities'.

Dentsu-owned Merkle offers technology and analytics to understand consumers and drive personalized marketing strategies. Earlier this year, the firm acquired LiveArea, whose services span commerce, experience design, technology and strategy.

Riccio (pictured) joins from EY, where he served as Partner, Asia Pacific, Digital, before which he spent more than a decade at PwC Australia, latterly as Partner, Global Design and Deploy - Experience Consulting. Earlier, he worked for IBM UK as Retail Industry Leader for the UK, Ireland, and South Africa; and before that he spent more than ten years at PwC Consulting, latterly as Partner, Retail Systems prior to the firm's 2012 acquisition by IBM.

In his new role, Riccio will replace Hallander, who was named CEO in June after thirteen years at Dentsu's digital marketing agency Isobar. Dentsu ANZ CEO Angela Tangas comments: 'Erik has played an important role in the establishment of Merkle and our broader transformation activities. I'd personally like to thank Erik for his commitment and dedication during this time and we wish him all the best for the future. The last eighteen months have seen significant changes for our clients and their customers. John's experience navigating complex digital environments only enhances how we evolve further, faster'.

Web site: www.merkleinc.com .