In a significant leadership reshuffle, Kantar Australia has announced the promotion of Mark Kennedy and Colin MacArthur to the joint role of Managing Partner, Consulting. The duo will be stepping into the shoes of Dennis Wong, who is set to leave Kantar after a 15-year tenure to explore his own professional interests.

Jon Foged, Kantar Australia's Managing Director, expressed his enthusiasm about the new partnership, highlighting the pair's close relationship, complementary strengths, and well-respected expertise. 'Mark and Colin bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record in their respective fields. Their joint leadership will undoubtedly drive Kantar's consulting practice forward,' Foged said.

Kennedy, who boasts over 30 years of experience in design, marketing, and strategy sectors, has held leadership roles at Landor Associates, Blue Marlin Brand Design, South African Breweries International, and Design Works. 'I am thrilled and honoured to take on the role of joint Managing Partner for Kantar’s Consulting practice in Australia,' Kennedy said. 'The client and consulting landscapes are evolving rapidly, and, alongside Colin, I look forward to bridging these worlds together to drive growth, build connections and shape the future.'

MacArthur, with over 20 years of experience in the Insight and Consulting space, has previously held roles at Jigsaw Strategic Research, The Leading Edge, Hall & Partners, and KPMG Nunwood. 'In this ongoing period of flux and change in the domestic and global markets that we work in, my excitement of taking on this role with Mark stems from the prospect of bringing my strategic vision, operational expertise, and client-focused approach to drive growth and success for both Kantar and our clients,' MacArthur stated.

Meanwhile, Wong, who has led the Consulting team for the past eight years, will continue to have an associate working relationship with Kantar after leaving his official role at the end of 2023. 'Leading the Consulting team for the past eight years has been one of the greatest privileges I could have ever imagined,' Wong said. 'The time feels right to challenge the way I’m thinking about my personal growth, and I’m very much looking forward to writing a new chapter of my life in my own freelance consulting business.'

Foged praised Wong's impact on client work and his focus on team development, noting that his successors are from the team he nurtured. This leadership transition at Kantar Australia marks a new chapter in the company's journey, with the industry watching closely to see how the new duo will steer the consulting practice in the evolving landscape.