Interbrand’s CEO Kieren Cooney to take on new CMO role at REA Group
REA Group, the multinational online real estate advertising company and parent group of realestate.com.au, has appointed Omnicom Group’s Kieren Cooney as its first chief marketing officer.
Cooney was most recently CEO of Interbrand Australia and has held CMO positions with NBN Co and Telecom New Zealand.
Cooney will start the new role in coming months
Cooney joined DDB as group managing director in Sydney in mid 2014 before moving to “one of the group’s most coverted roles” – CEO of Interbrand Australia in March 2015.
REA Group said the appointment, which will see Cooney join the executive leadership team, would take effect in the coming months. Cooney will report to CEO Tracey Fellows.
Fellows said the appointment reflected REA’s global growth ambitions and the possibilities for the brand’s expansion.
“The creation of the CMO role was designed to support REA Group’s expanding global footprint as well as its growth into property-related services,” she said.
“Over the years, realestate.com.au has grown to become a much-loved brand among people looking to sell, rent or buy their home. There’s a tremendous opportunity to build on that brand in sectors that represent a natural extension of ehat we do well.
“We are excited by what Kieren can offer the business with his world-class experience. He will drive our global marketing strategy.”
Cooney said the opportunity to be part of a business with “a clear ambition to help people navigate some of the biggest decisiond of their lives” drew him to the role – but it was his interactions team at REA that “sealed the deal” for him.
With Cooney taking on CMO responsibilities, Libby Minogue, executive general manager, media, will now focus on the growth of REA’s media and news lifestyle content from a global perspective.
Interbrand is also on the hunt for a new Melbourne managing director after Paul Hoskins announced his departure for Etsy.
Marty O’ Halloran, DDB Group Australia and New Zealand Chairman, comments said the hunt for a replacement would be global.
“Kieren has been a brilliant leader for Interbrand,” O’Halloran said.
“He sustainably grew the business, brought on major new clients, fostered a wonderful team and delivered multi award winning work. He was an insightful and trusted partner to many of Australia’s largest brands and senior Executives and we know he will go onto great things at REA. We are undertaking a global search and are well underway with the recruitment for Kieren’s replacement.”
