McCann Worldgroup bolsters digital and CRM capabilities with launch of MRM in Australia

Interpublic Group’s McCann Worldgroup announced today that it has bolstered its digital and CRM capabilities with the launch of MRM in Australia and New Zealand. As the network’s world-leading technology-driven marketing solutions arm, MRM will sharpen the agency’s offering in this region.

The launch of MRM is a significant strategic move for McCann Worldgroup, with the Australia and New Zealand operation expanding and strengthening MRM’s global footprint. Currently operational in 34 offices across 25 countries, MRM works with some of the world’s leading brands, including General Motors, Nestle, Intel, Dell, Verizon, Mastercard and Johnson & Johnson.

In Melbourne for the launch, MRM global CEO Bill Kolb (above) said the timing of MRM’s entrance into Australia couldn’t be better.

“MRM’s primary focus is delivering return-on-investment models for marketing communications. There is a growing need from increasingly tech-savvy clients for solutions that unlock the potential of their CRM, digital and brand platforms. MRM gives them the tools and expertise to create memorable brand experiences across the entire digital landscape.

“The current reinvigoration of McCann Worldgroup, combined with the overall strength and maturity of the Australian and New Zealand market, provide the perfect opportunity to bring MRM into the mix of the broader McCann Worldgroup model.”

Said Ben Lilley (left), McCann Worldgroup Australia CEO: “Our digital transformation has been elevated with the launch of MRM – it’s a seamless addition to the new McCann Worldgroup and the perfect way to launch into the new year. With a strong calibre of people now in place, and more appointments to come, MRM will be a key competitive advantage in our full-service offering across Australia and New Zealand.

“Few agencies in this market can deliver the seamless combination of creativity, technology and performance that we now can through McCann and MRM’s combined competencies. We are already in discussions with several new key clients and are delighted with the interest MRM is generating.”

Kolb added: “Australia is a priority for MRM and this team will bring this market fully into the global network, be a critical part of our ongoing growth and success and set the stage for our further plans across Australia and New Zealand.”

Mark Cripps, MRM Regional Director Asia Pacific, will oversee the Australian operation of MRM, while Renee Stewart, Digital Director, will head the Australian account service team. Prior to joining McCann Worldgroup, Renee spent two and a half years at Wunderman London, working across the Ford and Land Rover portfolios.

Natasha Wood and Matt Stoddart are the senior creative team, who recently joined from Wunderman Melbourne where they worked across clients including Ford, AGL and Colonial.

Daniel Gray, previously at Fusion Group, joins as CRM and Social Media Strategist, and Ash Pegram joins from Monkii as Senior Digital Producer. Senior Designer Cayne Snowden, formerly of senior creative roles at We Are Digital, Mustard Creative and Spinnaker in London, also joins the creative team.