WPP AUNZ has announced the completion of the merger between Sydney-based digital marketing and media consultancy Switched On, and global innovation and experience design agency AKQA.

Following a successful year of collaboration after first joining forces in July 2019, the Switched On name will longer be used – the final step in the merger process.  As planned and announced last year, its market-leading capabilities and employees will now operate under the AKQA brand.  

Since the merger was first announced, a new media capability in NZ has been launched, media services in Melbourne have been bolstered, while several other senior appointments were made earlier in the year to cater for continued expansion.  Among them is Sive Buckley, who joined as Melbourne Client Partner.  Kat Stephenson was also brought in earlier this year to head up the NZ Media operation as Media and Tech Director to drive growth in the NZ market, while Aryeh Sternberg joined the Sydney team as Australian Director of Media and Technology.

There are no other alterations or restructures to the business other than the change in branding, with all Switched On employees retaining their current titles and remits, under the AKQA name.  Former Switched On MD Chris Hitchcock’s title will now be Managing Director, Media, AKQA.