Starcom MediaVest hires Ryan Menezes and promotes Patrick Whitnall and Laura Davey

Reflecting its dynamic growth and ongoing evolution in capabilities and insights, Starcom MediaVest Group has announced a number of staff moves, including a newly created role, appointment and two promotions to further strengthen the agency’s technical, mobile and content offerings.

Ryan Menezes (right) joins Starcom MediaVest Group as Sydney director of technology and digital from his most recent position at Initiative as a director, digital communication. Experienced media strategist Patrick Whitnall (left) has been promoted to the newly created position of national director, content, mobile and social. Laura Davey (centre) has been promoted to the position of Sydney director, strategy and planning.

Menezes’ experience stretches across seven years both in Australia and Canada on brands such as SMV, Microsoft, Wind Mobile and Kraft.

Whitnall, who has 15 years in marketing – much of it with Starcom, was previously national strategy director directing the agency’s strategy and ideas generation.

Davey was previously senior communications strategist.

The appointments bring total staff growth at the agency to +15% over the past 12 months under Sydney managing director Annick Perrin.

Says Perrin: “Our continued robust growth has been driven by an increased focus on pace and purpose of people and creating meaningful brand experiences at the speed of life for our clients’ brands. In addition, our 2015 Media Futures Survey revealed a seismic shift to automation, data segmentation and personalisation with relevant content to match.

“Ryan, Patrick and Laura are all integral in driving this focus for the agency and creating value between our clients’ brands and people beyond the boundaries of the norm.”