WPP Media Appoints Kevin Kivi as Managing Director for South Australia
•February 16, 2026
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Why It Matters
Kivi’s proven growth record and international expertise position WPP Media to capture new revenue and deepen client relationships in South Australia’s competitive media landscape.
Key Takeaways
- •Kivi brings 25 years global media leadership
- •WPP Media targets growth in South Australia
- •Horizon Media Canada grew 92% under Kivi
- •Portfolio includes Mitsubishi, Adelaide University, Government clients
- •Focus on integrated, agile client solutions
Pulse Analysis
South Australia’s media ecosystem is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by digital adoption and a surge in local brand ambition. WPP Media’s decision to install a seasoned executive underscores the firm’s strategy to embed global best practices within regional markets. By anchoring its operations with a leader who understands both multinational brand dynamics and local nuances, WPP aims to differentiate its offering from domestic rivals and attract high‑value spend from government and corporate clients.
Kevin Kivi’s résumé reads like a blueprint for modern agency leadership. After launching Horizon Media Canada in 2017, he nearly doubled its revenue in three years while cultivating a culture recognized as the network’s top workplace. His Cannes Lions‑winning work on the Skittles Holiday Pawn Shop campaign and collaborations with giants such as P&G, Sony PlayStation and Mars Wrigley demonstrate a rare blend of creative flair and data‑driven strategy. This track record equips him to steer Wavemaker’s integrated media services toward more measurable outcomes for South Australian brands.
The appointment is likely to accelerate WPP Media’s growth trajectory in the state. With a portfolio that spans automotive, education, health and tourism, Kivi can leverage his global network to introduce innovative partnership models, programmatic buying and cross‑platform storytelling. Clients stand to benefit from a more agile, collaborative approach that aligns media spend with business objectives, while the broader market may see heightened competition as agencies vie for the region’s expanding advertising budgets.
WPP Media appoints Kevin Kivi as managing director for South Australia
Kevin Kivi will lead WPP Media’s South Australian operations, bringing 25 years of global leadership experience in advertising, media, and communications.
The announcement:
WPP Media has appointed Kevin Kivi as managing director for its South Australian operations, reinforcing the group’s long-term investment in one of Australia’s most dynamic and fast-evolving business landscapes.
Kivi brings 25 years of global leadership experience across advertising, media, and communications, with senior roles in Melbourne, Toronto, and New York. His appointment strengthens WPP Media’s commitment to supporting South Australian organisations with world-class strategic capability, talent, and integrated media expertise. He will oversee Wavemaker’s diverse client portfolio including Mitsubishi Motors, Adelaide University, Government of South Australia, San Remo, Bridgestone, Balfours, Health Partners, Immuron, St John SA, and Explora Travel.
Most recently, Kivi led Horizon Media Canada, where he launched the agency into the market in 2017. Under his leadership, the business grew 92% in three years, secured consecutive Best Place to Work honours, and achieved the highest employee engagement scores across the Horizon network, reflecting his human-centred and values-driven leadership style.
Kivi is already well known within WPP Media, having previously held senior roles in EssenceMediacom Canada and Mindshare Melbourne.
A recognised expert in brand-building and integrated media strategy, Kivi has partnered with major global brands including P&G, Mars Wrigley, Sony PlayStation, Nintendo, Tim Hortons, and Burger King. He is also a Cannes Lions–winning leader for the celebrated Skittles Holiday Pawn Shop campaign, and has played a pivotal role in modernising Mars Wrigley Canada’s sports partnership strategy through work with the Toronto Raptors and Toronto Blue Jays.
Wavemaker’s Peter Vogel, said: “Kevin’s appointment is a clear signal of WPP Media’s commitment to South Australia. His global experience, commercial acumen, and ability to build high-performing teams bring exceptional strength to the region. We’re confident his leadership will deliver fresh momentum and meaningful impact for our client partners.”
Kevin Kivi said: “Coming back to Australia to lead our South Australian operations is incredibly exciting. The state’s business community is ambitious, innovative, and full of opportunity. I’m focused on building an agile, collaborative team that delivers smart, effective work and strong client partnerships. There is enormous potential here, and I’m energised to help drive growth for South Australian organisations and contribute to the broader media community.”
Kivi’s deep understanding of regional market dynamics and his commitment to long-term partnership position him strongly to accelerate WPP Media’s growth in South Australia and strengthen the group’s presence in the state.
Source: WPP Media
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The post WPP Media appoints Kevin Kivi as managing director for South Australia appeared first on Mumbrella.
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