McCann Group NZ Appoints Zac Stephenson as Managing Director, Media; Terri Collier Promoted to Newly-Created Chief Client Officer Role

Why It Matters

The leadership changes accelerate McCann NZ’s integration strategy, positioning the firm to offer clients faster, data‑driven media solutions and capture greater market share in a competitive advertising landscape.

Key Takeaways

• Zac Stephenson appointed Managing Director, Media, effective March 9
• Terri Collier promoted to Chief Client Officer, overseeing integration
• McCann NZ accelerates fully integrated operating model across Omnicom
• Leadership duo previously worked together at DDB, sharing vision
• New model emphasizes AI‑enabled media, data, and commerce solutions

Pulse Analysis

McCann Group’s latest appointments reflect a broader industry shift toward fully integrated agency models. By consolidating creative, media, data, martech, and commerce under a single leadership structure, McCann NZ aims to eliminate silos that traditionally slow campaign execution. This approach aligns with global trends where advertisers demand unified strategies that can be measured in real time, leveraging the scale of Omnicom’s network while maintaining local market insight.

The partnership of Zac Stephenson and Terri Collier brings together complementary expertise: Stephenson’s 26‑year media pedigree and transformation record, and Collier’s client‑centric vision honed through high‑profile accounts like Vodafone and Mitre 10. Their proven chemistry from DDB promises a cohesive leadership style that can drive cultural change within the organization, fostering a high‑performance environment focused on measurable client growth. The new Chief Client Officer role signals a strategic emphasis on seamless access to AI‑enabled analytics, advanced targeting, and commerce solutions, positioning McCann NZ as a one‑stop shop for brands navigating a data‑rich marketplace.

For New Zealand advertisers, the integrated model offers tangible benefits: reduced complexity, faster decision‑making, and a holistic view of consumer journeys across channels. As the country’s largest marketing services business, McCann NZ can now leverage Omnicom’s global resources to deliver localized, data‑driven campaigns that respond to evolving consumer behavior. This strategic move is likely to intensify competition among agencies, prompting rivals to reconsider their own integration strategies to retain clients seeking end‑to‑end solutions.