Dentsu ANZ appoints Rob Harvey as CEO

Dentsu has appointed Rob Harvey as CEO of its Australia and New Zealand business, following the departure of Patricio De Matteis. The leadership change marks a new phase for the agency group, as it continues to focus on integrated operations and growth across data, technology, and automation.

Rob Harvey, who has led Dentsu Aotearoa as CEO since 2013, will now oversee operations across the ANZ region. He succeeds Patricio De Matteis, who stepped into the role in 2023 after Angela Tangas moved to lead dentsu UK&I.

The agency credited Patricio De Matteis with guiding the business through a period of significant transformation, including the consolidation of 26 brands into five core agency brands: Dentsu Creative, Carat, Merkle, iProspect, and TAG. During his tenure, he laid a strategic foundation focused on future-facing capabilities, including AI and automation.

Yoshiki Ishihara, APAC lead and Global Chief Strategy Officer, dentsu: "Rob’s appointment marks a deliberate and confident step forward for dentsu ANZ, reinforcing our commitment to our people, sharpening the value we deliver to clients and laying the groundwork for more meaningful, impactful outcomes.

"Rob is already deeply embedded in the business and brings a strong track record of building enduring client partnerships, leading with clarity and delivering results. His commercial acumen, deep client understanding and ability to unite teams across markets positions him well to lead ANZ into its next phase with discipline and ambition."

Rob Harvey first joined Dentsu Aotearoa in 2011 as Managing Director of Media. Since then, he has implemented the 'one dentsu' model in New Zealand and led the agency to recognition at Cannes Lions, the Effies, and the Axis Awards. He also serves as President of the Commercial Communications Council and is a board trustee of Make-A-Wish Foundation Aotearoa.

In his new role, Harvey will divide his time between Auckland, Sydney, and Melbourne. Creatively, the region is currently being led by New Zealand co-Chief Creative Officer Brett Colliver on an interim basis, following the departure of Ben Coulson.

www.dentsu.com

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