Columbus, a Merkle Company shows strength with nine client wins + two senior appointments

Following the launch of Merkle in the Australian market in March, Columbus, a Merkle Company has secured nine new clients in three months including Macquarie University, Event Hospitality & Entertainment Limited and Hi Pages.

The data-driven marketing agency has also appointed two group business directors in the Victorian market, with Leonie Dawkins (left) and Guy McGechan (right) joining the growing agency, jointly overseeing a team of 55 people in Victoria in conjunction with general manager, Marianne McNally (centre).

With more than nine years’ experience, Dawkins joins Columbus from fellow Dentsu Aegis Network agency, Carat working on blue chip entertainment, health insurance and retail clients. McGechan joins Columbus from Havas Media with 10 years’ experience working in the UK and Australia.

Says Marianne McNally, Victoria general manager, Columbus, a Merkle Company: “Guy and Leonie are exceptional talents, and their combined experience has further strengthened our senior leadership in Victoria. Their leadership and digital expertise will help Columbus, a Merkle Company to continue to lead conversations with clients to deliver end-to-end data driven solutions.”

Both Dawkins and McGechan joined the agency’s leadership team lead by CEO, Rebecca Tos.

Says Tos: “Leonie and Guy are stellar examples of the great talent in our industry. Both have diverse backgrounds across media with deep expertise in delivering results for a wide range of clients. I’m delighted to have Leonie and Guy join the team and build on the business’ positive momentum.”

Says Simon Ryan, CEO, Dentsu Aegis Network ANZ: “We’re delighted to welcome nine new clients to Columbus in the first quarter of the year, a testament to the strength of the team. Merkle has brought global scale and extended the capabilities of Columbus, and we look forward to continuing on a strong growth trajectory from here.”