FCB NZ announces new leadership structure; Paul Wilson and Sean Keaney appointed CEOs of Auckland and Wellington offices

FCB New Zealand has today unveiled a new leadership structure for its Auckland and Wellington operations, announcing the hiring of Paul Wilson as CEO of FCB Auckland and the promotion of Sean Keaney as CEO of FCB Wellington. The agency’s new co-CEOs will report directly to FCB global CEO Tyler Turnbull and FCB global chair and global CCO Susan Credle.

The appointments of Wilson and Keaney signal sustained momentum for FCB New Zealand, which has won new business with clients including Waka Kotahi and continues to set a strong standard of inclusivity through its partnership with Māori-owned creative agency RUN. It also comes on the heels of the 2022 promotions of Leisa Wall and Peter Vegas as the agency’s first co-chief creative officers following creative success across FCB NZ’s client portfolio — including Mitre 10, Air New Zealand, Mercury, Four Square and PAK’nSAVE.

Wilson and Keaney will partner with Wall and Vegas, as well as media CEO Blair Alexander, chief transformation officer and FCB/SIX lead Qassem Naim, and director of philosophy Vivien Sutherland Bridgwater, to build the agency’s next chapter.

This new, expanded and tenured leadership team will allow for more collaboration and enable FCB New Zealand to realize even greater creative ambitions and business-driving ideas for clients through the deeper integration of global creative data and CRM capability of FCB/SIX, the growth of the agency’s media practice and the continued commitment to DE&I.

Says Turnball: “FCB New Zealand has always been a special company. With phenomenal capabilities across creative, media and FCB/SIX, we can help clients grow and transform their brands like never before. I’ve always believed that the strongest agencies are led by great teams, and I know that with this new team and structure in place, the next chapter for the agency will be brighter than ever.”

Hired as FCB Auckland CEO, Wilson is a highly awarded agency leader who brings over 20 years’ experience advising some of the region’s most famous and trusted brands, including Toyota, Fonterra, Instant Kiwi, Heineken and BNZ. He most recently served as TBWA New Zealand’s managing director and prior to that was managing director of Saatchi & Saatchi.

Says Wilson: “Getting the opportunity to join a creative business that is fuelled by a world-class data, technology and media offering is an incredibly compelling proposition. I can’t wait to get started.”

Elevated to FCB Wellington CEO from his previous role as managing director, Keaney will build on the momentum he has helped generate for the agency since joining in 2015 as general manager.

Says Keaney: “I’m incredibly excited about this new opportunity and continuing to work alongside the leadership team to build the agency that I love, with the added bonus of now partnering with Paul.”

Sébastien Desclée, who has held the dual roles of FCB NZ CEO and global international partner for the past two years, will return home to Europe and will now focus on FCB’s affiliate relationships while taking on new global projects and initiatives.

Says Desclée: “I am thrilled to know that FCB will continue to drive long-term progressive change in Aotearoa with the team that I have had the privilege to see grow for the last two years.”

Says Credle: “FCB Aotearoa is one of the jewels in our global network. They bring grit and determination to the conversation. And they do it with a sense of humor that belongs in this business. The work is both timeless and timely. They create brands and drive business performance. I cannot wait to watch this incredible leadership team — and I do mean team — write the next chapter in their Never Finished story with outstanding creative ideas that are economic multipliers for our partner clients.”