Carat appoints joint GMs in New Zealand

Friday 7th March 2014

Media Release

Carat appoints joint GMs in New Zealand

Carat has promoted Oliver King and Kim Leybourne to the newly created positions of joint General Managers for New Zealand. The appointments come following Robert Harvey’s promotion to CEO of the Dentsu Aegis Network New Zealand last year, as the growing agency bolsters its senior management team. Robert Harvey retains the role of Managing Director of Carat New Zealand.

Rob Harvey said: “I am really thrilled that Kim and Olly are taking this step up. They are already invaluable leaders in our business and are passionate about the Carat brand. They have perfectly complementary skill sets that I know will make this joint leadership model a success.”

“Carat had a very strong 2013 and is poised for 2014 to be another year of growth. I’m excited to have Kim and Olly leading this charge.”

Kim Leybourne said: "It is fantastic that Olly and I, working together with Rob will continue to build on the momentum we have already created for the Carat brand in the New Zealand market. With an amazingly talented group of people to work alongside I am excited for what the future holds."

Olly King said: “I’m thrilled to be working with Kim and Rob to help nurture and grow Carat NZ. We already have a talented group of people working alongside an incredible portfolio of clients. I feel honoured to be part of this team and look forward to what’s in store for Carat NZ.”

Kim joined Carat three years ago with more than 20 years marketing experience in London, Australia and New Zealand. She has been responsible for strategic planning and implementation across a number of high profile clients in retail, FMCG, finance, government, pharmaceuticals and travel. Her most recent roles prior to joining Carat were GM of MediaCom NZ and Group Account Director within DDB as the strategic lead on The Warehouse.

Olly has been Strategy Director for Carat since 2011 and has held senior positions within media and advertising throughout his career, including roles with ZenithOptimedia, DDB/Media Wise and Saatchi & Saatchi. He has won a number of local and international awards for his work including several CAANZs awards and a Cannes Media Gold Lion.

Carat has recently won a number of new clients in New Zealand including Barfoot & Thompson, Mastercard and Spotlight, adding to its existing client partners which include GM Holden, ASB Bank, adidas, Mondelez, and Sovereign Insurance.

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