Wunderman Thompson names new CEO as Matt Parry returns to HK for APAC HSBC role

Wunderman Thompson has elevated Gavin Bain (pictured left) to chief executive officer, as Matt Parry (pictured right) makes the move to Hong Kong to lead WPP’s team Helix for HSBC for the region. Both appointments are effective immediately.

According to the release, Parry will step into the position of WPP team Helix business lead for HSBC in APAC, one of the group’s key global clients, and will relocate to be based in Hong Kong. Parry began his career with the network in 2006, before moving to Asia in 2012. Prior to his move to Sydney, Parry was managing director of Wunderman Thompson Hong Kong where he grew the agency in the market. 

“Wunderman Thompson will continue to grow from strength to strength under Bain’s brilliant leadership and the team of outstanding individuals that make up the business in Australia. I’m proud of what this group has already achieved, and what is sure to come for them,” said Parry.

Meanwhile, Bain will spearhead the continued evolution of the Wunderman Thompson's business through creativity, consulting and technology capabilities to drive broader organisational impact for clients. 

Prior to his new role, Bain was the national managing director of the business’ Australian operations. He brings over 30 years’ experience in the marketing and advertising industry to the role, having worked in senior client roles at Bankwest, Adelaide Bank and Hartley Poynton Wealth Management, as well as executive agency roles at Marketforce and independent agency, Meerkats, where he was CEO for over 10 years. Furthermore, Bain is a board director of The Advertising Council of Australia and the Cancer Council WA.

“I’m thrilled to be taking on this new role and lead such a talented team as we continue to drive further growth and greater impact for our clients. The strong brand and communications approach we’re known for has been strengthened with key capabilities, including business transformation, EX, CX, strategic design, technology, data, and commerce, all connected to help grow the ambitious brands we partner with,” said Gavin Bain.

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MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Wunderman Thompson for additional information.

Back in August last year, Wunderman Thompson appoints Wilson Ang as executive creative director and Anant Deboor as head of strategy for Hong Kong.

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