Chris Ernst. Credit: dentsu
Dentsu has appointed Chris Ernst as chief practice officer - media, Australia.
Ernst will lead the national media business, driving integration across dentsu's media brands.
He will report to chief executive officer Rob Harvey and join the dentsu ANZ executive leadership team.
Ernst has more than 20 years' experience across Australia and the UK in media strategy, client leadership and business transformation.
He joined dentsu in 2019 as managing director of dentsu Queensland.
Under Ernst's leadership, the Queensland business achieved the highest internal agency engagement across dentsu Australia and record client NPS.
The agency was named an AFR Best Place to Work and secured multiple finalist placements across the B&T State Agency of the Year and People and Culture awards. Ernst was named Next of the Best Executive Leader in 2025.
"Chris is a people first leader who lifts the energy in every room. He builds teams that care, perform, and grow and he brings a rare depth of client connection," Harvey said.
"I'm honoured to step into this role at a pivotal time for our media business and for dentsu," Ernst said.
Ernst will spend time in Sydney, Melbourne and Queensland and will transition his base to Sydney in the first half of 2026.
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