Spark Foundry launches in New Zealand with foundation client Westpac NZ; Nicky Greville appointed Managing Director to lead new agency
Publicis Groupe has today announced the launch of Spark Foundry in the New Zealand market, with Westpac NZ signing as the foundation client.
Nicky Greville has been appointed to lead the new agency as managing director, moving from her role as client services director at MBM.
Says Michael Rebelo, chief executive, Publicis Group ANZ: “Following on from the acquisition of MBM and Affinity ID (now Digitas) we remain committed to growing our brands, capabilities and investment in the New Zealand market. Spark Foundry is a global network famous for its big brand thinking, and robust data and analytics capabilities. Led by Nicky, we’re excited to see the expansion of Spark’s footprint and we are privileged to be able to do so with a client such as Westpac.”
On Spark Foundry’s appointment as the media agency of record, Westpac NZ’s chief marketing officer, Suraiya Phillimore-Smith, says: “We were impressed with the calibre of thinking that the Spark Foundry team delivered. They immediately demonstrated a deep understanding of our brand, our customers and our category, showing us just how far we can push our new ‘Together Greater’ brand positioning. We’re excited to start the next chapter of both of our brand stories together with the Spark Foundry team.”
Says Greville: “We are in the enviable position to be launching the agency with our wonderful new partners at Westpac. Having recently taken a hugely brave step in their recent rebrand, we are excited to amplify this further, and build our agency with such inspiring partners.
“The Spark Foundry brand is one I have long admired with its unique approach to fusing strategy, technology and analytics. Its proprietary ‘HEAT’ framework places cultural fluency at its heart and uses market-leading products and tools to power it. This has been a strong part of the network’s success around the world, and I am looking forward to replicating it in NZ to deliver on our clients’ business needs.”
Greville, who has previously held leadership roles at various agencies including as GM of Media, joined MBM in 2019 and has worked on key accounts including Vodafone and Unilever.
Adds Rebelo: “Nicky has been an integral part of the award-winning team at MBM, and she leaves the agency after having led a multi-disciplinary team across some of their top clients. Her experience in strategy and business leadership across some of the largest categories and clients in New Zealand leaves us with no doubt she will bring that same depth of strategic thinking and leadership to her new role at Spark Foundry.”
3 Comments
From what I hear FCB did a good job and had the rug pulled unceremoniously on them. Too much of this happening in the industry at present. Bit rough. Westpac. Together Greater. Get Tui on the line.
Looks like the Aussie machine is moving in for a parament seat. That monster really showing it’s tail 😉
Reading that Herald article- ‘ a rigourous pitch’ that FCB obviously knew nothing about? Dick move westpac. At best an unprofessional way to end a relationship. No one needs clients like that.