Barbara Messitt has been appointed managing director of Woolworths@DAN, replacing Sarah James, who quit after just seven months to become MD of Initiative.
Messitt is an internal promotion, having acted as head of Woolworths food group for the agency, and her appointment is effective immediately.

Messitt has been with the bespoke agency since its creation
“We’re privileged to be partnering with one of Australia’s leading companies, and Barbara is the ideal person to lead and drive this relationship forward,” said Henry Tajer, CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network ANZ.
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Messitt joined Woolworths@DAN at its formation, and was previously with group business director for Woolworths at DAN’s media agency Carat Sydney.
“I’m so proud to have been part of the evolution of the Woolworths account at DAN,” Messitt said of her promotion.
“To be leading this innovative set-up within our agency model is really exciting and I’m looking forward to taking our partnership into its next phase.”
Woolworths@DAN was established in 2018 as DAN’s bespoke agency for the country’s largest retailer. Its creation saw talent brought across from network agencies like Carat, Amnet, iProspect, Columbus and Posterscope.
Last month, Woolworths also launched its own media business, Cartology, fronted by Mike Tyquin, but is continuing its relationship with Woolworths@DAN.