Publicis Media unites two networks under Spark Foundry global brand; current chief executive Sue Squillace to head Spark Foundry in Australia

Publicis Media today announced the consolidation of two of its global networks – Blue 449 and Spark Foundry – to create one Spark Foundry global proposition.

Founded on the strong synergies of culture and entrepreneurial spirit that both agencies boast, the new unified network will operate under the Spark Foundry brand in the majority of markets, boosting the agency’s footprint globally.

With this move the new network deepens its presence in Australia, Canada, China, Germany, India, Italy, MENA, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Singapore and Spain, as well as other markets around the world, accelerated through realigning Blue 449 talent and clients to the Spark Foundry brand.

Due to the unique nature of the France, US and UK markets, both Spark Foundry and the Blue 449 brands will be retained and co-operate closely in these markets, with Blue 449 predominantly servicing domestic clients and Spark Foundry focusing on global clients.

“As a brand-led organisation, we are committed to our strong agency brands as transformation partners for clients,” says Steve King, CEO, Publicis Media. “Guided by this commitment, we are further scaling Spark Foundry as a global network.”

Spark Foundry’s global evolution through this strategic alliance, builds on notable momentum over the past year, including substantial new business wins such as Marriott and Lenovo (global), Mondelez (multi-market), Macy’s, Audible, and Southwest Airlines in the US, Savola in UAE, and Campbell Arnott’s in Australia.

“We couldn’t be more excited to expand our extraordinary talent and capabilities across the world,” said Chris Boothe, Global Brand President, Spark Foundry. “Further, I am thrilled to welcome the Blue 449 talent and clients to the Spark Foundry family. I’m confident these clients will benefit from continuing to work with the talent who know them and their business well, now backed by Spark Foundry’s unique HEAT proposition strongly resonating and delivering for clients around the world.”

In Australia, John Preston, Chairman of Publicis Media ANZ, previously CEO of Blue 449 (formerly Match Media) has announced that leading the new Australian entity will be Spark Foundry’s current CEO Sue Squillace (left); supported by Duncan Parfitt as COO, who moves from his role as MD of Blue 449, and Blue 449’s CFO Jeff Ewing completing the Executive Leadership Team.

Preston will work closely with the Executive Leadership Team to ensure a smooth integration of the businesses. He said: “Here in Australia we are bringing together two successful businesses, both with enviable culture scores. The beauty is that their DNA of being born a start-up; one an independent, the other a multinational start-up, are strongly aligned.

“This is a very exciting step change for the team at Spark Foundry and provides the team at Blue 449 with a truly global family to work with.”

Says Squillace: “I am really excited to have the opportunity to lead this newly formed strategic alignment. This evolution of Spark Foundry will deliver our people and clients a brand with greater scale, greater market impact and a greater connected global network.”

The new Spark Foundry Australia will have 185 people working across its three existing offices in Sydney and Melbourne; and in Sydney will come together in one location with Publicis Groupe’s move to Pyrmont in early 2020.