Mediaweek Podcast: Heavy Hitters with Mark Coad, Melissa Fein and Anathea Ruys

For Mediaweek’s new podcast series Heavy Hitters, I have some of the best leaders in the business here who are all C-suite with IPG Mediabrands. Our podcast guests are Mark Coad, CEO of Mediabrands Australia, Melissa Fein, CEO of Initiative Australia, and Anathea Ruys CEO of UM Australia. Below are just a few of the highlights from the podcast. First

Initiative Retains Pernod Ricard’s Media Account

Initiative has retained the coveted Pernod Ricard Australia and New Zealand media account, working across the entire brand portfolio including all Pernod’s wine, spirit, whiskey, champagne, RTD and ‘new to world’ brands. Jo McAlister, managing director, Initiative said the team could not be more excited to sign up for another three years and partner the

Initiative appoints Renae Joseph chief of staff

Media agency Initiative has appointed its first chief of staff, promoting long term employee Renae Joseph. Joseph’s remit will see her act as liaison between staff, senior executives and the CEO, acting as a sounding board for decision making, a senior strategic partner and the driving force for the implementation of key organisational priorities. Melissa

Melissa Fein And Darren Talk Building And Maintaining High-Performance Teams

Melissa Fein is the CEO of IPG Media Agency, Initiative Australia, a Director of Swimming Australia and a Board Member of Media Federation Australia. This year she was also recognised as the Mumbrella Industry Leader of The Year, the Woman of the Year and number two on the B&T Women in Media Power List, and

Initiative welcomes David Cook as head of marketing & IQ

Initiative has announced the appointment of David Cook to the newly created national role of head of marketing & IQ, based in Sydney. Cook’s remit is to lead IQ, the media agency’s consulting division, with a key objective to deliver high-level strategic media recommendations to c-suites. Cook’s remit also includes leadership of Initiative’s marketing program, supporting the agency’s focus on industry

Initiative wins Sanitarium media pitch

Media agency Initiative has won Sanitarium Health’s media agency of record, following a competitive pitch. Working across Weet-Bix, So Good and UP&GO brands, Initiative’s remit includes overall responsibility for media strategy, planning and buying across all traditional media. Melissa Fein, CEO of Initiative said her team were elated to start the year on such a high note

Initiative appoints IAG’s Tom Dodd national strategy director

Media agency Initiative has appointed Tom Dodd national strategy director. Dodd will be based in Melbourne and will work alongside chief strategy & product officer Chris Colter. Colter said “Tom is one of the most intelligent and charismatic media strategists in the industry, and one of the most awarded. I couldn’t be more thrilled to have

Initiative retains Jemena media account

Initiative, following a hotly contested pitch, has retained the media business for energy networks owner Jemena Limited. The win extends a 10-year relationship with the brand. The group’s remit has also been expanded with Mediabrands Content Studio (MBCS) being awarded Jemena’s creative account. Initiative’s responsibilities include all national and local broadcast media buying, print, outdoor, radio,

Initiative Australia CEO Melissa Fein shares her leadership values after making Mediaweek’s Hot List

Mediaweek introduced its inaugural Hot List for Agencies, penned by contributing editor Greg Graham, last week. Initiative Australia was listed on the ‘Sizzling HOT’ agencies making waves in the industry with CEO Melissa Fein at the helm. Fein spoke to Mediaweek about leading her agency by example, thriving through the pandemic, and making the Hot

Initiative boosts leadership team with two new partnership heads

Media agency Initiative has appointed Daniela Rocchi to the new role of head of partnership for the Sydney team, and Justin ArIt to the new role of head of partnership for the Melbourne team. The move comes after Initiative restructured its partnerships department, aimed at bolstering its leadership team. Rocchi’s immediate remit in Initiative is