Wunderman shifts reporting line out of Australia

Just days before Russel Howcroft takes over as the new CEO of Y&R Brands in Australia, WPP has moved its DM specialist agency Wunderman out of local management from the group and its Sydney and Melbourne offices will now report in to Hong Kong.  

Wunderman Sydney and Melbourne will report directly to Wunderman Asia region president, Stephane Faggianelli.

Announcing the move, the New York based chairman of Wunderman Daniel Morel said: “This move is motivated by our three major clients Nokia, Microsoft, and Ford who demand strict globally aligned strategies and represent the majority of our business in Australia. Australia’s integration into our Asia-Pacific organization is now completed.”

According to the announcement, Faggianelli “will also work in collaboration with Russel Howcroft, Australia and New Zealand CEO, Y&R Brands, on growing local business.”