Newsroom
July 9th, 2019
Weber Shandwick, one of the world’s leading global communications and marketing solutions firms, and Jack Morton one of the world’s leading brand experience agencies, have jointly announced the appointment of Helen Graney as group managing director of both Australian businesses.
Graney’s extended role sees her join Weber Shandwick as the agency continues its pivot towards data-driven, human-led solutions that help organisations better manage technology driven disruption. Her joint leadership of both agencies facilitates enhanced collaboration for select clients, expanding client access to business intelligence, strategic and creative skills, agency-wide.
Each agency will retain its separate brand entity and maintain independent clients as well as employees.
Operating from the same building, Weber Shandwick and Jack Morton have accelerated a collaborative approach to problem solving under the Interpublic Group’s ‘Open Architecture’ initiative, and in response to a growing client demand for deeper integration of services. With Graney at the helm, the two agencies will have the opportunity to better leverage talent across both teams in areas of integrated thinking, planning and ideation.
Graney will report to Baxter Jolly, CEO Asia Pacific, Weber Shandwick and Julian Pullan, Vice Chairman, President International, Jack Morton. She will work closely with Ian Rumsby Chairman Australia and Chair Strategy, Asia Pacific, Weber Shandwick, and regional lead for United Minds, Weber Shandwick’s global management consultancy specialising in transformation.
“We are delighted at the opportunity to bring someone of Helen’s calibre into the Weber Shandwick business,” said Jolly. “Her disciplined, ambitious and forward-thinking approach to leadership of clients and people is something I’ve admired for a long time and I am truly excited at the potential she brings to our own transformation journey.”
With more than 20 years’ experience across integrated marketing, brand experience, and event management, Graney has been managing director of Jack Morton since 2009 and is recognised as one of the most disciplined, progressive and solutions-orientated communications leaders in the Australian market.
Graney commented, “In Australia, Weber Shandwick and Jack Morton have enjoyed a burgeoning relationship for several years, and particularly over the past twelve months we’ve worked more closely to bring collective solutions to complex assignments, in concert.
“Both agencies have an unrivalled passion for creating truly innovative, data-led and game-changing solutions for clients. I am looking forward to the potential to further strengthening that collective aptitude,” said Graney.
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About Weber Shandwick
Weber Shandwick is a leading global communications network that delivers next-generation solutions to brands, businesses and organisations in major markets around the world. Led by world-class strategic and creative thinkers and activators, we have won some of the most prestigious awards in the industry. Weber Shandwick was named to Ad Age’s Best Places to Work in 2019 and was the only PR firm designated an Ad Age A-List Agency Standout in 2017 and 2018. Weber Shandwick was also honored as PRWeek’s Global Agency of the Year in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, and earned 25 Lions at the 2019 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Data-led, with earned ideas at the core, the agency deploys leading and emerging technologies to inform strategy, develop critical insights and heighten impact across sectors and specialty areas, including brand and B2B marketing, healthcare marketing, change management, employee engagement, corporate reputation, crisis management, data and analytics, technology, public affairs, social impact and financial communications. Weber Shandwick is part of the Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). For more information, visit www.webershandwick.asia.
About Jack Morton
Jack Morton is an award-winning global brand experience agency. We’re driven by the fact that the world’s most successful brands deliver proof on their brand promise at every touchpoint. It’s what inspires our team each day to help clients “Do something extraordinary.” For 80 years, we’ve strengthened the relationships between brands and the people who matter most to them, through events and experiential, integrated campaigns, digital and content, sponsorship marketing and employee engagement. Jack Morton is part of the Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (NYSE: IPG). More information is available at www.jackmorton.com.