WPP AUNZ Adds Two to Senior Executive Leadership

Kieran Moore has been named CEO Public Relations and Public Affairs, while Ben Dixon steps into CEO Data Investment Management role at WPP AUNZ.

WPP AUNZ has filled two new senior executive positions as the group moves to drive deeper local management and collaboration. Ogilvy Public Relations Australia CEO, Kieran Moore, has been named to the newly created CEO Public Relations and Public Affairs role.

Meanwhile, Ben Dixon, Kantar’s CEO Australia and New Zealand, has stepped into the capacity of CEO Data Investment Management at the firm. Both join John Steedman, Chairman Media Services, as part of the WPP AUNZ exco team, reporting directly to WPP AUNZ CEO, Mike Connaghan, and the board.

The pair will oversee 26 agencies across the group’s public relations, public affairs, and data investment management form with Moore spending 50 percent of her time with Ogilvy PR and the rest of her time on the new portfolio. Dixon also remains a very important leader with Kantar.

“In order to achieve our goal to deliver 100 percent of a client’s customer experience, we need world class leaders at the helm of our business groups. With outstanding career credentials across their respective industries, Kieran and Ben are well placed to help move the group through its next phase of growth,” said Connaghan.

A recognised leader with more than 30 years of experience, Moore brings to the table both international and local experience in PR, covering public relations strategy development and implementation, reputation and crisis management, and corporate positioning for business to business and consumer.

She will head all public relations, public affairs and government relations agencies within the network including Barton Deakin, Burson-Marsteller, Cannings Purple, Hawker Britton, Hill & Knowlton, Howorth, Ogilvy PR, Ogilvy Impact, Ogilvy PR Health, Parker & Partners, Pulse Communications, and more.

Well-versed in research, operations, and business with over two decades under his belt, he was previously MD at Millward Brown ANZ for eight years and before that, Executive Director with Nielsen for nine years. Agencies within his new remit include Millward Brown, TNS, AMR, ORU, and Kantar Vermeer, to name a few.

His appointment is effective immediately, while hers commences on 1 June 2016. Meanwhile, Connaghan will continue to provide a leadership role driving collaboration across the remaining agencies within the group.