Fiona Johnston set to depart dentsu following restructure

Fiona Johnston, dentsu ANZ’s CEO of client, media and commercial, is departing the agency as part of a company restructure that sees her role made redundant.

Johnston has more than 20 years’ experience in digital media, including serving as Global/EMEA Chief Growth Officer for IPG Mediabrands and CEO of UM Australia, where she successfully repositioned and grew the business over four years.

Before joining dentsu, Johnston founded and led Wild and Safe, an Australian-based consulting business working with clients including The Coca-Cola Company, eBay, and the AFL.

Her career spans senior leadership roles across MediaCom/GroupM Australia, where she served as Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer, and Publicis Mojo/Triangle, where she led integrated business operations, agency culture, and creative growth. Johnston also headed Lowe Hunt & Draft as General Manager, driving innovation, business development, and account management.

Prior to moving to Australia, Johnston held senior international roles at Havas/Euro RSCG, acting as a company board director and senior client ambassador for PepsiCo EMEA. She played a key role in reorganising PepsiCo’s international marketing operations across the UK, USA, and EMEA, oversaw 200 employees, and was notably the youngest and only female board member of six. She also ran one of the UK’s largest music festivals, T in the Park.

Says Rob Harvey, dentsu ANZ CEO: “Our goal is to create a simpler and more competitive business. For us to move faster, with greater clarity and with more agility, we need to first remove duplication and complexity from our operating model.

“I’d like to thank Fi for her contribution and commitment. She has played an important role in shaping our Media business, including securing new clients, fostering growth with existing partners and building a connected leadership team across all our Australian offices. We wish her every success in the future.

“I appreciate there’s been some big changes to our business lately. We are seeing this as an opportunity to realign our model and ensure it best supports our strategic capabilities and strategy. We are fortunate to have a strong leadership team across Australia and Aotearoa, and these changes signal the beginning of the next chapter for dentsu ANZ – one built on simplicity, connection and clarity.”