Dentsu ANZ’s Chief Executive Officer for Client, Media, and Commercial, Fiona Johnston, is set to leave the agency following a company-wide restructure that has made her role redundant. This decision forms part of Dentsu’s broader plan to simplify operations, remove management duplication, and create a more agile and competitive business across Australia and New Zealand.
Johnston, who joined Dentsu in 2022, played a key role in building the media team nationally, driving new business growth, maintaining client relationships, and leading commercial strategy within the media division. Her contributions have been instrumental in shaping the agency’s media operations, fostering growth with existing partners, and strengthening leadership across all Australian offices.
Dentsu ANZ CEO Rob Harvey, who has over 25 years of experience in media and strategy, will oversee the media practice temporarily during the transition. Harvey emphasized:
“Our goal is to create a simpler and more competitive business. To move faster, with greater clarity and agility, we must first remove duplication and complexity from our operating model.”
The restructure also includes the removal of the role of Practice President – Media, as part of the agency’s effort to flatten leadership structures and streamline decision-making.
Harvey added that the changes mark the beginning of the next chapter for Dentsu ANZ, one built on simplicity, connection, and clarity. The agency sees this period as an opportunity to realign its model to better support strategic capabilities and long-term growth.
Johnston’s departure comes amid other leadership shifts, including the recent appointment of Kirsty Muddle as CEO of Ogilvy and promotions within Dentsu’s creative and media practices, reflecting the company’s ongoing effort to optimize its leadership and operational structure.
