Dentsu ANZ snares CHE Proximity’s David Halter for chief strategy and growth officer role

Dentsu ANZ has today announced the key appointment of David Halter as chief strategy and growth officer of its ANZ business.

With over 20 years’ experience providing creative and digital solutions, Halter joins from Clemenger Group, where he was chief strategy officer and Sydney managing director of CHE Proximity, partnering with innovative brands including Samsung, IKEA, Danone, NRMA, eBay, and Virgin Australia.

Says Angela Tangas, CEO, Dentsu ANZ: “David is an amazing talent for dentsu. He is one of the most recognised strategic growth leaders in our industry. By joining our team, reinforces our commitment to client first outcomes and providing innovative, integrated experience solutions through our combination of Media, CXM and Creative offerings to unlock sustainable advantage for our clients.”

Halter will partner with Tangas and the broader ANZ executive leadership team which recently includes the appointments of Kirsty Muddle, creative CEO and John Riccio, Merkle CEO.

Says Tangas: “We are committed to supporting our current and future clients evolve their business strategies to ensure deeper connectivity with their customers, society and the changes required for them to be more responsive and adaptive. David will add immense value in this pursuit and the new opportunities we can unlock together as ANZ’s most integrated network and relevant client partner.”

Says Halter: “As I got to know Angela and the broader team it became clear they are a progressive network. Whether it be a big organising brand idea, creative media solutions to connect with audiences or tech-driven ideas, they are focused on providing the most compelling customer experiences.

“I’ve always believed that great ideas are what inspire agency people to work well together each day. What’s inspiring to clients is the ability to anchor those ideas in a strong strategy that makes commercial sense. Bringing all the parts together to make a difference with the team at dentsu is what I’m most excited about.”

The hire of Halter is unrelated but coincides with the departure of Brent Kerby, Sydney MD for dentsu Creative which includes BWM Isobar and dentsuMB. Kerby departs dentsu to join Clemenger BBDO Sydney as CEO.

“Brent has been with dentsu for six years and has played an important role in the growth and success of the Sydney market. I would personally like to thank Brent for his commitment and dedication during this time as we continue to focus our efforts on being ANZs most progressive creative offering. It’s been an incredible journey and we wish him all the best for the future.”

Halter will join the dentsu ANZ business at the end of February 2022.