Rob Harvey appointed CEO of dentsu ANZ as Patricio DeMatteis steps down

Dentsu has appointed Rob Harvey as chief executive officer for Australia and New Zealand, following the departure of Patricio DeMatteis after two-and-a-half years in the role.

Harvey steps up from his position as CEO of dentsu Aotearoa, a role he has held since 2013, and will now lead the ANZ business across Auckland, Melbourne and Sydney. He first joined dentsu in 2011 as managing director of media in New Zealand. The leadership change is effective immediately and marks a key move in dentsu’s push to unify operations and sharpen its Media++ growth strategy across both markets.

“Rob is already deeply embedded in the business and brings a strong track record of building enduring client partnerships, leading with clarity and delivering results,” said Yoshiki Ishihara, global chief strategy officer and APAC lead at dentsu. “His commercial acumen, deep client understanding and ability to unite teams across markets positions him well to lead ANZ into its next phase with discipline and ambition.”

Harvey’s appointment follows a transformative period for the ANZ business under DeMatteis, who joined in 2023 after dentsu consolidated 26 brands into five. Ishihara thanked DeMatteis for laying a “strong strategic foundation” and deepening the network’s focus on growth areas such as data, tech, AI and automation.

As CEO of dentsu Aotearoa, Harvey led the implementation of a ‘One Dentsu’ model and oversaw major commercial and cultural progress, with the agency picking up top honours including Best in Show at the 2024 IAB Digital Advertising Awards, multiple international creative wins, and Supreme Winner at the HRNZ Awards.

“It’s been a privilege to lead dentsu Aotearoa for over a decade,” said Harvey. “As I step into the CEO role across ANZ, I see a powerful opportunity to build on the great work Patricio has done… through more integrated, innovative and insight-driven solutions.”

He added: “This next chapter is about sharper focus, deeper collaboration and unlocking the potential that comes from truly operating as one.”

In addition to his dentsu role, Harvey serves as president of the Commercial Communications Council in New Zealand and is a trustee of the Make-A-Wish Foundation Aotearoa.