Nickie Scriven resigns from Zenith; rumours swirl of move to Dentsu
Zenith CEO, Nickie Scriven has resigned from the Publicis Groupe agency, Mumbrella can reveal. While her next role is unconfirmed, she said: “it’s time to embark on the next stage in my career”.
It is understood Scriven handed in her letter of resignation, and she’s set to finish up in September. Publicis told Mumbrella that a replacement will be announced in due course. The timing of the move has several industry sources pointing to a move to Dentsu, with the Media CEO role recently becoming vacant.
Nickie Scriven to leave Zenith after eight years
Michael Rebelo, CEO, Publicis Groupe ANZ told Mumbrella: “In the eight years Nickie has been part of the Publicis family she has taken Zenith to new heights, playing an integral role in leading the growth and development of its talented people and best-in-class products; while strengthening client relationships and strategic partnerships. She has led the agency through some notable new business wins, including Subway, Disney, TikTok and Kellogg’s. She’s built a strong leadership team who will continue to deliver craft and product innovation, and operational excellence – driving business growth for clients. On behalf of Publicis, I’d like to thank Nickie for all the successes she has achieved with the Zenith team, and we wish her the best of luck in her next big challenge.”
Scriven added: “I’d like to thank Publicis Groupe for all of the wonderful opportunities they have provided me. Leading Zenith as CEO has been an absolute joy and pleasure, but after almost six years in the role, it’s time to embark on the next stage in my career. I’d also like to thank my incredible Executive Team and all of our people who have made these years so rewarding. I am enormously proud of everything we have achieved together. I leave Zenith in the capable and amazing hands of my Executive Team and I wish the incoming CEO the best of success in the continued growth and momentum of Zenith and the Groupe.”
Publicis declined to comment on Scriven’s next move, as Dentsu also batted away suggestions she is set to join the Japanese holding group.
“We don’t comment on speculation. When we’re ready to announce any candidate, we will be in touch,” a Dentsu spokesperson told Mumbrella.
Scriven has been at the agency for eight years, joining as Melbourne MD in 2014 from Australian Super. She has been CEO for five and a half years after being promoted in early 2017.
Rebelo thanked Nickie and wished her luck in her ‘next big challenge’
Zenith pried away the lucrative Subway media account in late 2021 from AKQA Media/Essence, capping off a year of growth for Publicis Groupe.
CEO of Dentsu Media, Sue Squillace is set to leave the group this month after her departure was revealed on Tuesday. With Scriven’s resignation, the move is being highly touted.
Yesterday, Mumbrella looked at what the future might hold for Dentsu Media as the group hits a juncture point, doubling down on its creative product in 2022 so far, with not only the media role to fill but also the national group CEO role ahead of Angela Tangas’ move overseas.
Nickie Scriven appeared on the first episode of the year on the Mumbrellacast. During the conversation, Scriven spoke about Zenith positioning itself within the Publicis one-stop-shop model, winning clients and the changing nature of pitching, and fixing the talent crisis through the new Zen Academy program.
Holding the top job at Zenith, this was Scriven’s first agency role, having previously led marketing at Australian Super. Before then, she held roles across Budding Enterprises Australia, NAB, and News Corp.
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Calum Jaspan was news editor at Mumbrella, based in Melbourne. He was also the producer and host of the Mumbrellacast. He left Mumbrella in May 2023.
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