MEDIA WISE TO CONTINUE TO STAND ALONE

In the wake of the OMD merger announced today, media agency Media Wise will continue to operate in an independent capacity, although its ownership structure will change.
As with the newly expanded OMD New Zealand (formed through the merger of OMD New Zealand, Media Direction OMD and Clemenger BBDO Wellington’s media department), Media Wise will operate under the auspices of Omnicom Group’s media arm, Omnicom Media Group (OMG) and will be 50 per cent owned by Clemenger Communications Ltd and 50 per cent owned by DDB (NZ) Ltd.
Mike Fredricson (previously Media Direction OMD Group Account Director), has been appointed General Manager of Media Wise, while Kath Watson will relinquish her Acting Managing Director’s role.
Jo Reid, also from Media Direction OMD joins Media Wise as Business Director. Jo adds further strength to the Media Wise capability.
Mr Fredricson says that Media Wise is ideally positioned for future growth.
“We have a very sharp, focused team with strong relationships with leading clients such as Reckitt Benckiser, Cadbury Confectionery, IAG New Zealand and Chrysler NZ,” he said.
Kath Watson, Managing Director of OMD New Zealand says that Media Wise remains the strong media company it has always been, but is now well positioned to extend itself further.
“Media Wise is in very good heart and with his extensive FMCG and financial services background, Mike Fredricson is the right person to lead the business through an exciting growth phase,” Ms Watson said.
Media Wise will continue to be located at 80 Greys Ave in Auckland.