GroupM, WPP’s media investment group, has nabbed Network Ten Paramount's Lisa Squillace to lead its Motion Entertainment division in Australia and New Zealand.

Squillace will be responsible for co-developing, co-producing, and distributing premium content, as well as delivering bespoke brand opportunities.

GroupM Motion Entertainment is a global division of GroupM, headquartered in London and Los Angeles, and operates in over 35 countries worldwide. The division has co-produced more than 2,100+ TV series and films in partnership with leading talent, networks, and platforms. The aim of GroupM Motion Entertainment is to provide a clear pathway for media partners, creatives, executive producers, and brands in Australia to work more closely to deliver premium content for local audiences.

"GroupM Motion Entertainment is our commitment to forging deeper, more meaningful connections between Australian consumers and our clients' brands that go way beyond brand partnerships," said Melissa Hey, GroupM Australia & New Zealand Chief Investment Officer. "Lisa’s expertise in entertainment and driving innovative partnerships makes her perfectly suited to lead the charge. She will work in collaboration with our agencies, as well as producers, networks, and publishers across Australia, to develop mutually beneficial partnerships that deliver premium entertainment experiences, ultimately driving brand growth."

Squillace brings over 20 years of experience in media and entertainment, specialising in the development of new business models, commercial concepts, and the implementation of multi-million-dollar brand investments in premium cross-platform content. She will work closely with agencies Mindshare, Wavemaker, and Essence Mediacom to create unique long-term entertainment partnerships for GroupM clients.

"Entertainment is a proven and successful way for our clients to connect with their consumers. We know that entertainment equals engagement, engagement equals attention and attention equals action. I’m thrilled to join GroupM to lead Motion Entertainment and unlock those opportunities for clients, help shape the future entertainment landscape and support local content production," Squillace said.

Squillace will report to Hey. GroupM Motion Entertainment will be operational in Australia and New Zealand in January 2025.