Two Wahine take on adland forming one of NZ’s fastest growing indie agencies Thompson Spencer

Thompson Spencer, a women-owned independent agency, has recently undergone a significant rebranding to become a full-service creative and accredited media agency. Formerly known as Socialites Group, the agency has grown and evolved from its roots as a social media agency founded by Wendy Thompson (above left), and is rebranding as Thompson Spencer.

Under the leadership of Melanie Spencer (above right), the other owner and group CEO, Thompson Spencer has become one of the fastest growing independent agencies in Australasia. The agency has thrived even in the face of a market slowdown, expanding to include six companies under the Thompson Spencer umbrella. Thompson leads the mergers and acquisitions effort, and the agency’s commitment to creating communities remains at the heart of everything it does, whether on digital or traditional media.

Says Wendy Thompson, founder, strategic partnerships and special projects: “The advertising and media landscape continues to evolve rapidly. However, the ethos of Thompson Spencer, that helping brands build communities of engaged customers builds long-term loyalty and business success, remains consistent. The growth of Thompson Spencer across the full range of marketing and media solutions gives our client partners a broad arsenal of tools to cultivate and nurture these communities.”

Unlike many agencies and media businesses which are scrambling to pivot to the digital world, Thompson Spencer is taking the opposite route by first nailing social media, then acquiring agencies, such as Magnesium, to bundle traditional media into a comprehensive and powerful solution.

Says Melanie Spencer, group CEO of Thompson Spencer: “We are excited about the future of Thompson Spencer, as we continue to grow and expand our offerings in the creative and media space. As we integrate all of our businesses under one umbrella, we will not stop pushing boundaries and making bold moves. Watch this space for more exciting developments.”

Thompson Spencer comprises six business units, including Socialites, which builds digital communities of passionate followers. Magnesium creates beautiful and action-oriented creative content; Media X is a media strategy and planning shop that is fully network accredited and a NZ Government Panelist; Flying Tiger is a marketing specialist that helps businesses connect with Chinese-speaking consumers in local and international markets; People of Influence represents world-leading talent in the sports, entertainment, and music industries; The Social Club briefs, contracts, and executes influencer marketing campaigns with a database of over 7,500 influencers in NZ and Australia.

The agency group boasts a team of 42 talented professionals, and has been awarded Silver Independent Agency of the year and Influencer Agency of the year for Campaign Asia. Some of its notable clients include New World, Asahi Beverages, Mitre 10, Essity, Bargain Chemist, Sydney Opera House, Auckland Airport, Bupa, Airbus, McPhersons, Westpac, IAG, The Warehouse Group, Giesen Group, Mercury, Mars Pet, Seagrass Group, Bedpost, Kimberly Clark, and Wattyl.

Thompson Spencer has run campaigns for Kiwi and international companies across 69 nations across the globe, but its reach is expanding. It recently won the Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group headquartered in Sydney and with restaurants in Sydney, UAE, South Africa, and London. It has also been engaged by Airbus to social media activity across APAC, in conjunction with French agency Angie. Thompson Spencer is also the official WeChat marketing partner in Australasia.

For more information about Thompson Spencer, visit thompsonspencer.com or follow the agency on LinkedIn.