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Movings/Shakings: 30 November

Two big brains

NZME has appointed former Metro editor Simon Wilson as a senior writer and data specialist Keith Ng as a data journalist at the New Zealand Herald.

Following his departure from Metro in 2015, Wilson first contributed as a writer to the Spinoff before taking on the role of Auckland editor. He also previously served as the editor of Cuisine magazine.

Ng has a long pedigree of data experience, having held senior data roles at both ChewyData and ClinkID. His appointment follows the announcement that data journalist Harkanwal Singh would be leaving the Herald to further his studies. 

Both new hires will start their jobs in 2018. 

Assembling an A-team

The Herald isn’t the only news organisation investing in journalistic talent, with Stuff also appointing what is being described as “an elite team of national correspondents” made up of a mix of award-winning journalists and emerging talent. 

Sports reporters Dana Johannsen has joined from the NZ Herald, while Carmen Parahi comes fresh from a producing role for Native Affairs.

Charlie Mitchell and Katie Kenny have been promoted from internal roles, while Steve Kilgallon is moving from a newsroom leadership role back into reporting. Michelle Duff is signing up full-time after a period of freelancing.

“We’ve promised these journalists the time and support to produce inventive, impactful reporting on a national scale,” said Fairfax NZ editorial director Mark Stevens in an official statement. 

The National Correspondents will have a broad remit, but their priority areas include health, the environment and climate change, social issues, Māori affairs, sport, and the impact of technological changes on our way of life.

Like the Stuff Circuit team, these journalists will have the freedom and support to dive deeply into stories of significance.

A local leader

Data firm Eyeota has appointed industry veteran Peter Hunter to serve as general manager across Australia and New Zealand (he will be based in Sydney). 

Hunter brings more than 20 years experience in agency and sales with his skills in digital strategy, managing business growth, leadership, media, search and direct marketing. He will report directly to Andrew Tu, managing director of the business in APAC region.

Prior to joining Eyeota, Hunter was commercial director at Quantcast ANZ, where he led the development of the team to establish them as one of the key new players in data-driven advertising.  In addition to his ad tech experience, Hunter was an established regional leader in the advertising and performance marketing industry where, in 1999, he founded his first agency which he subsequently sold to TBWA in NZ. He has also served as CEO of Aegis Media’s performance media company, iProspect, for APAC. And just before Quantcast, he held a series of leadership roles within PHD with his last role as national head of business planning.

“Having experience in both agency and sales has afforded me the chance to be at the forefront of our industry, first in fully addressable media and now in the complex nature of audience data, a critical piece at the centre of advertising campaigns,” Hunter said.  “Moving to Eyeota gives me the opportunity to play a key role in driving change and data innovation in the industry in what will be a pivotal time in marketing.”

Sugary goodness

TBWA Group’s division Eleven PR has been appointed to launch the Krispy Kreme doughnut brand in New Zealand.

The expected opening of Krispy Kreme’s retail and manufacturing plant in Manukau is due in early 2018 and construction of its retail store and manufacturing facility is already underway.

Sydney-based Krispy Kreme chief executive Andrew McGuigan says he is excited by the venture and the company’s entry into New Zealand.

“It’s a fantastic brand and one that has been around for 80 years – it’s an icon that’s already strong globally and we believe there’s huge opportunity for Krispy Kreme to become a Kiwi favourite,” McGuigan says.

Angelina Farry, Managing Director of Eleven PR says she looks forward to working with the team at the doughnut company.   

“It’s a unique brand built on both community and fun,” she says. “Krispy Kreme will be one of the many Trans-Tasman brands we manage with Eleven PR Australia. More and more we are finding marketing teams with brands based in both Australia and NZ benefit from the streamlined, Disruption Live® approach our model provides.”

Krispy Kreme has plans to expand further, with more stores to open in the next few years.

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