Arkell replaces Dunlop as CEO of Acumen Republic
In a third senior management change at a PR agency in less than a week, the boss of Acumen Republic, a New Zealand agency that opened a Sydney office in February last year, has stepped down.
Michael Dunlop, CEO and principal of Acumen, makes way for Karyn Arkell, previously general manager of Acumen’s Auckland operation.
Dunlop will remain with the agency as executive chairman.
He noted: “We think the timing is right to increase our focus on Australia because there is an increasing demand for a seamless cross Tasman offering. We operate as one business and Karyn is the right person to lead this, having established the Sydney office.”
“I will step back from management and concentrate on working with our clients,” Dunlop added.
Myrna Van Pelt, general manager Sydney, John Walsh, general manager Wellington, and Mandy Hancock, chief financial officer, will continue as the key members of Acumen’s leadership team.
Last week, Chris Newman replaced Walter Jennings as boss of Fleishman-Hillard, and Hill & Knowlton’s CEO Marcus Warner left the agency after just eight months in the job.
