Dentsu confirms Vanessa Nicol as Chief Operating Officer for dentsu ANZ

Dentsu has today confirmed the permanent appointment of Vanessa Nicol as Chief Operating Officer for dentsu ANZ.

First announced to clients at an intimate, invite-only event (“DC26”) last night, the appointment follows a successful interim period in which Nicol provided stability and focus during a period of change for the business.

Nicol will move permanently into the COO role bringing deep experience in agency operations and transformation. She will oversee operations across the ANZ business, with responsibility for streaming operations, AI-enhancements, and ways of working. Nicol will work closely with Chief Practice Officer, Dentsu Creative Australia, David Halter, and the broader leadership team to support clear, consistent and sustainable operations across Dentsu Creative and the wider dentsu group.

Says Nicol: “You can feel the momentum across the agency. We’re accelerating our operational processes with new technology to set our team and our clients up for success.”

Says Rob Harvey, CEO of dentsu ANZ: “David and Vanessa have done an outstanding job stepping into their roles over the past four months, bringing clarity, care and immediate impact. Their leadership has been felt quickly by both our people and our clients, and their approach is strongly aligned with our values and ambition as a connected dentsu group.

“They are both highly respected, tenured leaders within dentsu, and their permanent appointments are a clear reflection of the strength of our internal talent and the depth of capability we have across ANZ.

“As we enter 2026 with confidence and momentum, David and Vanessa will play a key role in shaping the next phase of growth for Dentsu Creative and the broader dentsu ANZ business.”

Alongside Nicol’s appointment, Dentsu also confirmed David Halter as Chief Practice Officer, Dentsu Creative Australia.

Dentsu Creative operates differently to many traditional creative agencies, bringing together creative, earned and experience teams under one structure. In Australia, Dentsu Creative’s team is spread across the east coast and works with iconic brands such as American Express, Chery, Adobe, NBN, The Iconic, Zespri, and nib.

Halter brings extensive experience in strategy, client leadership and business management, having previously served as Chief Strategy Officer for dentsu ANZ.

Says Halter: “We have great people at DC, and a client list we are proud to partner with. My focus is on continuing to improve the quality of our creative work in all its forms and supporting our people the best way I can to create impact for clients.”

The appointments are effective immediately and reflect dentsu’s focus on leadership continuity and long-term client and people partnerships.

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