WPP AUNZ has revealed yet another stage in the restructuring of the group as it merges its research agencies AMR and Colmar Brunton.
The move sees the creation of one go-to-market brand, Colmar Brunton.
The merger continues the efforts made by WPP in 2018 to streamline its business, with creative agencies JWT and Wunderman and VML and Y&R, both being merged to form Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R, respectively.
Colmar Brunton will continue to be led by CEO Joan Young, supported by chief operating officer Maree Taylor and chief client officer Jenny Witham.
According to WPP, the move increases the scale, depth and focus of the Colmar Brunton footprint, broadening its range of expertise and skills, while giving clients access to "an increased breadth of talent and capabilities".
“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," WPP AUNZ data investment management group CEO Rob McLachlan says.
“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."
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 have been appointed as general managers.
Corey Fisher has been promoted to national sector head of Colmar Brunton’s government business and is supported by Naomi Downer as national director of social studies.
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