UM Sydney appoints Matt Evans to the role of managing partner, leading Optus

Media agency UM has announced the appointment of Matt Evans to the role of managing partner leading the Optus account.

Based in Sydney, Evans is responsible for evolving UM’s strategic media approach for Optus, working closely with its team to deliver and create market leading value, innovation and opportunity geared for sustainable growth.

Says Anathea Ruys, CEO UM Australia: “Optus is a powerful Australian brand focused on developing positive connections with people across Australia. The team at Optus are leading marketers who think strategically and have a clear, well-articulated vision and plan for the brand.

“This is an account that is so energising and exciting for people to work on, I knew that we needed an incredible leader for this team and from the first conversation I had with Matt, I was convinced he was the right person. His wealth of experience across media agency, media partner and creative agency, combined with his nuanced and intelligent thinking, is the ideal blend for a client as world-class as Optus.”

With an extensive background in client relationships and leading strategic partnerships, Evans was most recently head of client partnerships at Carat Australia where he led teams focused on collaboration, personal growth and delivering success for brands including George Weston Foods, NOVA Entertainment, Mastercard and the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Proudly a people-first leader; driven by creating an environment for individuals to be their best, Evans’ leadership style is hands-on; taking an active role in strategic planning, business development, agency management, and traditional, digital, and social media campaigns for his clients.

Says Ben McCallum, managing director, UM Sydney: “Exceptional work comes from exceptional people, and we simply couldn’t pass up the opportunity to bring someone like Matt into UM’s team.  Matt has a wealth of experience across almost all facets of media and marketing and will add significant value to the development of the Optus partnership and our people here at UM.

“Matt’s leadership of Optus’ team is critical for the ongoing success of our agency, Optus is one of the biggest and best brands in Australia and I am confident Matt will ensure Optus are consistently at the cutting edge when it comes deploying effective and engaging media campaigns. I can’t wait for his presence to be felt and seen in market.”

On his new role, Evans says: “It’s pretty incredible when you have that “stars align” moment in your career, especially when there are ticks on so many levels. I’m pumped to be joining this incredibly talented team at UM at such an exciting time for both the agency and Optus.”

Based in Sydney Evans reports directly to UM managing director, Sydney Ben McCallum.  His appointment is effective immediately.