Photon Analytics Firms Get New Boss

Marcoms group Photon has added to the remit of Matthew Melhuish, its Head of Australian agencies, who will now oversee its portfolio of field marketing companies including a number of data collection and analytics firms.

In his expanded role, Melhuish replaces Stewart Bailey - the brother of former Photon CEO Matt Bailey, who resigned in March.The co-founder of Photon ad agency BMF (Brown Melhuish Fishlock), Melhuish joined Photon's management team in September after the company - which bought his agency in 2007 - restructured following its recent financial crisis.

Some of Photon's field marketing agencies include data analytics firm Retail Insight, mystery shopping provider REL, data analysis and reporting company Counterpoint, brand experience agency Sledge, and data evaluation specialist The Bailey Group.

In a staff memo, Photon CEO Jeremy Philips explained that the field marketing companies would now report to Melhuish, adding that the group planned to focus on increased collaboration and strategic initiatives across the Australian business, while continuing to invest in its position in the UK.

'I know that these changes can be disruptive, but they will be to the benefit over the long term,' continued Philips. 'However, we cannot fundamentally improve the culture, strategy and operational performance of the company if we keep doing things the same way that they have been done.'

Web site: www.photongroup.com .