Melanie Wiese. Credit: Verian
Verian has appointed Melanie Wiese as managing director for Australia, adding the role to her existing APAC responsibilities.
Wiese will continue as the group’s chief innovation officer for Asia-Pacific and as a principal at the Verian Institute for Public Impact, roles she took on after joining the research and advisory firm in 2025.
She brings more than 20 years’ experience across strategy, consumer insight and organisational change, with senior leadership roles at global agencies including Wunderman Thompson Australia and VML, where she was chief strategy officer.
Earlier in her career, Wiese worked as planning director at Grey New York, advising public and private sector clients across energy, finance, health and education.
At Verian, Wiese has focused on integrating research and creative disciplines, with an emphasis on behavioural change and the application of emerging technologies across client work in the APAC region.
Verian APAC chief executive Gavin Bain said Wiese’s appointment reflected the company’s focus on innovation-led growth in Australia.
“Her track record in strategic leadership and innovation will be pivotal as we continue to build our impact for clients,” Bain said.
Wiese replaces Kirsty Macmillan, who has left the business after several years with Verian and Kantar Public.
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