Megan D’Audney returns to New Zealand for Managing Partner role at Designworks

Designworks, one of New Zealand’s leading brand design agencies, has appointed seasoned leader and business founder Megan D’Audney as its new Managing Partner.

D’Audney is returning home to Auckland to take up the role, tasked with leading Designworks’ talented brand strategy, creative and client service teams, while fostering collaboration with other WPP businesses located within its new Auckland campus.

She brings extensive global experience gained in London, Singapore, Melbourne, New York, Miami, and New Zealand to the Designworks role, in addition to valuable entrepreneurial and start up skills, having founded two successful businesses of her own.

Says WPP Australia and New Zealand President, Rose Herceg: “Designworks is an iconic business in NZ and one that requires a unique leader to take the helm.  Megan’s local market knowledge and global experience, teamed with innovative approaches and drive to build business make her a perfect fit for the future of the agency, and our clients looking for creatively-fuelled growth.

“Deeply respected and awarded with a heritage of building the country’s biggest brands, we’re thrilled to have someone of Megan’s calibre join and lead the team.”

Across her career, D’Audney has built expertise that spans direct marketing, above-the-line advertising, brand development, guest experience and design.  Her passion for creative excellence, exceptional client relationships, and revenue growth has also been honed through time spent starting her own two personal care brands and working within a range of leading agencies including TBWA, M&C Saatchi, DDB and Elmwood.

Says D’Audney: “Designworks is an icon. The incredible work produced consistently over many years is why it still holds the reputation as one of the best in New Zealand. Returning home to take up the Managing Partner role is a fantastic opportunity I couldn’t say no to. Leading the brilliant team at Designworks into the future and getting to spend every day with them in the studio is beyond exciting, as well as having the ability to tap into the deep talent offered with the broader WPP Aotearoa family.”

D’Audney starts this month, and replaces former Designworks Managing Partner Joanne Reid who left the agency in 2025 after two years in the role.

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