Team changes
Xero has announced it has appointed Steve Vamos as chief executive to succeed founder Rod Drury.
This is effective from 1 April and Drury will continue at the company focusing on innovation and strategy as a non-executive director of Xero.
Vamos has more than 30 years’ experience in technology and digital media including roles at IBM, Apple and Microsoft. Over the past 18 months he has worked closely with Xero’s executive team developing its management capability and operating model.
Xero chair Graham Smith says succession planning has been high on the board’s agenda, and with the business performing strongly, it believed the time was right to make the transition at chief executive level.
“We believe Steve brings an invaluable skill set to lead Xero. He has worked in some of the world’s largest tech companies and is a recognised, purpose-driven people leader, with a focus on growth and operational excellence,” says Smith.
Vamos says what Drury and Xero have accomplished is remarkable.
“I’m excited to have this opportunity to lead Xero’s growth and development going forward. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to work with the Xero leadership team and we have a clearly communicated strategy, which we are committed to executing. Xero is a special company with an extremely important purpose and significant opportunities. I look forward to continuing to work with Rod, the board, the entire Xero team, and our partners and customers, to deliver on the potential of Xero’s global platform.”
Merger
Hunter Media has merged with full-service, accredited agency mediaR.
Tony Richards, director at mediaR, says it’s a fantastic and exciting fit bringing two highly respected independent agencies together.
“The opportunity to merge the businesses has been in the pipeline for several months and we’re stoked with the outcome.”
The deal will see all Hunter Media clients and staff move into the mediaR offices at Britomart.
Managing director at Hunter Media, Graeme Hunter, says he’s thrilled with the result of the discussions, as he looks to exit his role to spend more time boating, fishing and developing his Northland property.
“The ethos, culture and fit felt very natural from the first discussions with mediaR’s Tony Richards and media director Helma Mitchell, and our clients have totally embraced the move. I’m delighted to be leaving our clients in such capable company although I will still be available in a strategic role for a while, so I’m not totally out to pasture yet.”
The Hunter Media team and clients officially move to mediaR on 2 April although new work is already in the pipeline.
Promotion
Hoyts Group chief executive Damian Keogh has announced the promotion of Dan Hill to the role of chief executive of Val Morgan Group.
Hill was previously the managing director of Val Morgan Cinema. In his new role he will take on the leadership and responsibility for the group including cinema and the digital outdoor business.
Keogh says Hill is a proven high performer and the company is looking forward to him bringing the same leadership and skill he has shown at Val Morgan Cinema to the wider Val Morgan Group.
“We are always taking stock to ensure Val Morgan’s relevance and offering across cinema and outdoor is the best it can be. Dan’s appointment will help Val Morgan more simply meet the needs and expectation of its clients, in providing end to end media solutions.”
As part of the change Anthony Deeble has been promoted to chief commercial officer across the Hoyts Group. Deeble will work closely on the business’ capital investment program and new business opportunities in New Zealand and internationally, and also drive the operations and commercial growth across the wider Val Morgan group.
The changes are effective immediately.
New leader
Curious Films has hired Kate Roydhouse as managing director and executive producer.
Roydhouse has been working in London for the last few years, most recently as head of production at SJR & Colloquial (WPP) throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Matt Noonan, executive producer and managing partner at Curious, says Roydhouse has been at the leading edge of recent changes in advertising and production in the UK.
“I’m really excited about her ideas and the potential here to produce great work in new ways.”
Roydhouse says she’s thrilled to call Curious her new home.
“They have long been a company I’ve admired for their innovation and bravery. It’s the perfect fit for me and now couldn’t be a better time to come back to NZ and put into practice my international experience and ideas.”