DAN promotes Erik Hallander to Isobar ANZ CEO
The Dentsu Aegis Network (DAN) has promoted Erik Hallander to CEO of Isobar Australia and New Zealand from his previous role as managing director of the Australian operations, a position he has held since October 2017.
Hallander replaces former CEO Konrad Spilva, who stepped down in March after 18 years with the business.
Hallander’s promotion is effective immediately
DAN’s ANZ CEO, Henry Tajer, commented that Hallander is the kind of leader Isobar needs.
“Erik is one of the most intelligent and creative people I’ve had the pleasure of working with. He’s a true change-maker, and the calibre of leader we need to continue transforming our clients’ businesses, brands and people’s lives with the creative use of digital,” Tajer said.
Hallander added of his promotion: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of the next chapter of Isobar and Dentsu. The experience leading this agency to date has been one of the best in my career, and everyone at Isobar and DAN is to thank for that. It’s an incredible business to be a part of, that consistently delivers fantastic value for our client partners.”
Global CEO of Isobar, Jean Lin, said that the Australian and New Zealand markets are critical. Recently, New Zealand digital agency Little Giant was rebranded to Isobar New Zealand.
“As CEO of one of our most celebrated markets, Erik is a critical member of Isobar’s global growth board, to drive our proposition of experience-led transformation,” Lin said.
“His promotion to lead Isobar Australia and New Zealand is testament to his tireless pursuit for innovation, leadership, energy, and business acumen.
Hallander’s promotion is the latest in a series of hires and fires as Tajer restructures the holding group.
In May, a few months into Henry Tajer’s tenure as CEO, DAN made a number of executives redundant, including Adrian Roeling, president of Amplifi, Nick Seckold, managing director of marketing agency iProspect, and Andrew Hewett, head of public affairs and communications for DAN.
Amplifi’s head of programmatic Luke Manley was made redundant last month, following Michael Bass’ appointment as Amplifi’s chief investment officer two weeks earlier, who stepped into the role following Ashley Earnshaw becoming CEO of DAN media agency Vizeum.
Carat managing director Simon Williams also departed last month. Williams’ role was called into question when Sue Squillace was named CEO, but his departure was in contradiction to DAN’s assertion that Williams would stay in his role following Squillace’s appointment.
And earlier this month, Angela Tangas became Dentsu X’s chief commercial officer while Daniel Isaac was appointed as the agency’s CEO.
The extreme shake up follows the loss of significant accounts across the group, including Super Retail Group, Virgin Australia, Asahi, Mondelēz International, Amart, and Bega.
Brittney Rigby was Mumbrella's deputy managing editor - news and analysis. She left Mumbrella in April 2021.
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Good on ya Erik – top talent.
Assuming the news of Isobar & WiTH merging will come out next week?
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