McCann launches MRM in Australia

The new office, in Melbourne but covering both Australia and New Zealand, extends MRM's global reach to 34 offices across 25 countries. The agency says the global network boasts a number of big names on its client list, including General Motors, Intel, Mastercard, and Johnson & Johnson.

Bill Kolb (pictured), global chief executive officer of MRM, who is in the region for the launch, said the timing of the market entry is particularly important for the group. "MRM’s primary focus is delivering return-on-investment models for marketing communications," he said. "There is a growing need from increasingly tech-savvy clients for solutions that unlock the potential of their CRM, digital, and brand platforms. The current reinvigoration of McCann Worldgroup, combined with the overall strength and maturity of the Australian and New Zealand market, provide the perfect opportunity to bring MRM into the mix of the broader McCann Worldgroup model.”

Ben Lilley, chief executive officer of McCann Worldgroup, said MRM's digital capabilities would be a strong complement to McCann's offerings.

“Our digital transformation has been elevated with the launch of MRM," Lilley said. "It’s a seamless addition to the new McCann Worldgroup and the perfect way to launch into the new year."

Mark Cripps, MRM's regional director for Asia-Pacific, will oversee the Australian operation of MRM, while Renee Stewart, digital director, will head the Australian account service team.