Outgoing Dentsu Aegis Network (DAN) ANZ CEO Simon Ryan is set to join carsales as its managing director - commercial.
It was announced this morning that Ryan would be exiting the holding group after being appointed CEO of DAN in February 2016 replacing Luke Littlefield. Prior to that, he was the CEO of Carat for seven years and also held roles at MediaCom and UM.
Ryan will replace current commercial MD Anthony Saines who will exit the business at the end of the year, however he will continue to consult to the business on a number of opportunities in 2019.
“I’ve had a strong professional and personal relationship with carsales for many years. This opportunity represents a combination of living my passion for cars in a business I see has substantial opportunity," Ryan says.
“I’m looking forward to playing a big part in carsales’ future. My experience over many years in media and communications positions me well to support the business in the delivery of its strategy and growth potential."
Saines will exit the business in 31 December, however it remains unclear if Ryan will step into the commerical MD role at this time.
“I’m very pleased to welcome Simon to carsales. He is an excellent cultural fit and his capability, experience and knowledge of the media industry and our market make him an incredibly valuable addition to the team," carsales CEO Cameron McIntyre says.
“As we continue to evolve and realise our business potential it’s critical we are attracting and retaining the best talent available and Simon is a clear representation of that."
Ryan, who has been one of the more prolific media agency leaders, will continue to lead the DAN business while a global internal and external search is underway to identify a replacement for the CEO role.
Earlier this month, Ryan sat down with AdNews to discuss the progression of the DAN, following the launch of Amplifi, a centralised investment arm, the introduction of people-based marketing platform, M1, a new government services division and its direct clients services division InvestDirect@DAN.
He issued a bold warning to other agencies saying they must transform their models or risk disappearing.
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