iProspect promotes group investment director Nicola Barnes to head of investment role

iProspect, a dentsu company, has promoted group investment director NSW and Victoria Nicola Barnes to the role of head of investment to lead the agency’s investment team as it focuses on driving accelerated growth outcomes for clients.

Barnes has been with iProspect for nearly four years, first as group investment director for NSW, before adding Victoria to her remit nearly two years ago. Barnes has previously worked for dentsu sister agency Carat as investment director and has also worked in media agencies in London.

She brings experience working in both Sydney and Melbourne, with local media relationships in both states. In her new role, she will lead the investment team nationally for iProspect.

Says Marcelle Gomez, national managing director, iProspect: “Nicola has been an incredible force within our business, driving our investment product and broader agency initiatives. She is a huge asset to the team, part of our cultural fabric, and is well-loved and respected by our media partners. It is a testament to the iProspect business that she can now take this next career step with us. I am so proud that Nicola is a part of our team, and I am excited to see how she continues to deliver investment outcomes that deliver accelerated growth for our clients.”

Says Barnes: “I am so excited to step into this role and support Chella and Ken in driving our business forward. Investment has been a passion of mine throughout my career, and I am so grateful for this opportunity to lead our investment strategy while navigating all the changes to trading that lie ahead.

“This year has been outstanding for iPro, highlighted by new client wins and award-worthy work that truly showcases our team’s talent. I’m proud to be part of such a high-achieving agency and can’t wait to accomplish even more together.”

Barnes’ appointment follows the promotion of Gomez to a national MD position and Lam’s promotion to GM of Victoria. It also comes after iProspect secured the media account for eBay and after the agency was recognised as one of Australia and New Zealand’s best businesses in workplace policy and best practice, placing 10th on the 2024 AFR BOSS Best Places to Work List in the media and marketing category.

iProspect was also recognised as the Google Honours Online Sales Premier Partner of the Year 2023; while globally, iProspect was recognised as the highest growth network according to RECMA Diagnostics 2024 bi-annual report.

iProspect works with clients including Air New Zealand, William Grant & Sons, L’Oreal, MYOB, Kathmandu and Kering.