Dentsu has announced the appointment of Rob Harvey as the new Chief Executive Officer for Dentsu ANZ, following the decision of Patricio DeMatteis to step down from his role. Harvey, who joined Dentsu Aotearoa in 2011 as Managing Director, Media, has been the CEO of Dentsu Aotearoa since 2013. His leadership and accomplishments in New Zealand have positioned him as the ideal candidate to lead Dentsu’s operations across Australia and New Zealand.
Patricio DeMatteis, who took on the CEO role of Dentsu ANZ in 2023, guided the business through a transformative phase. He played a key role in consolidating 26 brands into five core agency brands, a move that significantly reshaped the structure of the company. During his tenure, DeMatteis laid important foundations for future growth, particularly in areas like data, technology, artificial intelligence, and automation, all while driving greater integration between the Australian and New Zealand markets. Although DeMatteis’ time at Dentsu was brief, his strategic efforts and leadership have set a solid groundwork for Dentsu ANZ’s next phase of growth. He leaves with Dentsu’s best wishes for the future.
Yoshiki Ishihara, the Global Chief Strategy Officer & APAC Lead at Dentsu, expressed confidence in Harvey’s appointment, saying that it marks a crucial and positive step forward for Dentsu ANZ. Ishihara emphasized that Harvey is already deeply embedded in the business and brings extensive experience in building long-lasting client partnerships, delivering clear results, and fostering team collaboration across different markets. With a sharp commercial acumen and a deep understanding of client needs, Harvey is well-positioned to lead Dentsu ANZ into its next phase with discipline and ambition.
Rob Harvey brings over 25 years of experience in the media and marketing industry. During his time at Dentsu Aotearoa, he successfully transformed the business, implementing an integrated “one dentsu” model that has contributed to strong commercial results. Under his leadership, Dentsu Aotearoa has cultivated a culture of collaboration, innovation, and measurable client impact. The company has earned recognition at various prestigious awards, including the Cannes Lions, Axis, Effie’s, and Marketing Awards, and was even named Supreme Winner at the HRNZ Awards. Additionally, the agency was the most awarded at the 2024 IAB Digital Advertising Awards, further showcasing its success under Harvey’s leadership.
In addition to his role as CEO, Harvey serves as the President of the Commercial Communications Council in New Zealand. He was elected in 2022 and uses this platform to advocate for progress in areas like sustainability, inclusion, and societal impact within the communications industry. Harvey is also a Board Trustee of the Make-a-Wish Foundation Aotearoa, further demonstrating his commitment to social causes.
In his statement, Harvey shared his excitement about taking on the CEO role at Dentsu ANZ. He reflected on the privilege of leading Dentsu Aotearoa for over a decade and how it shaped him, not just through the results achieved, but also through the trust built with clients and the inclusive, values-driven culture that has been fostered. As he steps into his new role, Harvey sees a powerful opportunity to build upon the work done by Patricio DeMatteis over the past 2.5 years. He plans to leverage the strength of Dentsu’s network across Australia and New Zealand to accelerate the delivery of more integrated, innovative, and insight-driven solutions for clients.
Harvey’s appointment is part of a larger strategic shift for Dentsu ANZ, aligning with the company’s Mid-Term Management Plan, which focuses on accelerating growth through Media++ and other innovative services. Harvey has already spent the past year working closely with the Australian teams, and he has been energized by their ambition, talent, and drive to lead. This next chapter for Dentsu ANZ is about sharpening focus, enhancing collaboration, and unlocking the potential that comes from operating as one unified organization. Harvey is eager to start this new chapter and excited to work with such a talented team.
These leadership changes are effective immediately, and Harvey will be based between Auckland, Melbourne, and Sydney, overseeing operations and continuing the growth trajectory set by his predecessors.
