Publicis Groupe ANZ has announced the promotion of Imogen Hewitt to the newly created role of Chief Media Officer. Hewitt, who will also continue to serve as CEO of Spark Foundry ANZ, reports to Michael Rebelo, Publicis Groupe ANZ CEO.

The appointment follows a three-year growth period for Publicis, which has seen the expansion of agencies including Zenith, Starcom, MBM, and Spark Foundry ANZ. Hewitt's new role will involve connecting with the Publicis Media global community, led by Global CEO, Talia Raviv, to support global clients and new business pitches relevant to the ANZ market.

Hewitt is the third group ANZ practice lead to be appointed – and follows the appointment of Publicis Groupe ANZ’s Chief Data Officer, Maurice Riley, and Chief Creative Officer, Dave Bowman.

Rebelo said: 'Imogen’s appointment is our commitment to continuing to build and elevate best-in-class media, data, analytics and investment outcomes to accelerate our clients’ media transformation.'

Hewitt has been at the helm of Spark Foundry Australia for the past four years.

Hewitt said: 'The media agencies within our Groupe are powerhouses in their own right, so the opportunity to work alongside their leaders to push ourselves, our product and our results even further is enormously exciting.'

In a related move, Matt Turl, previously COO of the Australian office, has been promoted to CEO of Spark Foundry Australia, reporting to Hewitt. Turl's promotion is seen as a strategic move to support the agency's continued growth.

Hewitt said: 'Matt has been an incredible partner to me, and a brilliant leader at Spark Foundry. It is a great pleasure to see him elevated into a role he so clearly deserves.'

Turl attributed Spark Foundry’s sustained success over the last four years to 'a combination of Imogen’s drive, intellect and good humour; the strength and stability of the leadership team, and our connectivity to the Groupe.'