Mediavest expands to Melbourne in 2016 headed by new managing director Melbourne Peter Butler

Following strong growth in its first year in Australia, having launched Mediavest in Sydney, the business will expand into the Melbourne market in January next year.

Starcom Mediavest Group Australia has announced the move, along with the appointment of Peter Butler (left), ex-IPG brands, as managing director Melbourne and the promotion of Sue Squillace to managing director Mediavest Australia.

Says Chris Nolan, CEO, Starcom Mediavest Group Australia: “The Mediavest launch in Melbourne is a continuation of the growth and diversification of the Starcom Mediavest Group, designed to deliver close collaboration and personalised service across our client and publisher partners. Congratulations to both and thank you to Sue for her continued success with SMG and on this promotion.”

This year, Mediavest has welcomed Diageo, Canon and Hachette Partworks into its portfolio of clients.

Says Squillace, who moves from general manager: “Since launching Mediavest just 12 months ago, our collaborative approach with key partners Leo Burnett, Saatchi & Saatchi and KONTENTED has resonated well with the market and opened up many opportunities for expansion into Melbourne.

“We are thrilled about this next phase for Mediavest and I am confident Peter’s expertise in media and creative agencies make him the perfect partner to support our proposition, our clients and also accelerate further growth. We’re extremely pleased he has chosen to join Mediavest.”

Butler has more than 20 years’ experience in media and creative agencies, and joins Mediavest from IPG brands where he was the managing director in Melbourne for more than two years.

Says Butler: “I am excited to be working with Sue to build the Mediavest brand in Australia. Having worked in both creative and media agencies, I believe in Mediavest’s approach that the best ideas come through collaboration of agencies, not their separation.

“As the challenge to connect with consumers intensifies, a shared strategic approach that combines insight and creativity, alongside technology and data will ensure brands are relevant and noticed.”

Butler’s appointment is effective January 2016.