AUCKLAND, Today: Dentsu is making another move to simplify how it shows up in Australia and New Zealand, reshaping its Customer Experience Management practice across the region.
The change will see Merkle’s experience, commerce, data and technology capabilities folded into dentsu, while its Salesforce implementation business will be divested.
The Merkle brand will still be used where needed for global and regional clients operating in ANZ. Local business, however, will now be serviced as dentsu.
As part of the change, dentsu has signed an agreement to sell its Salesforce capability to Enduring Ventures, a long-term holding company based in the United States.
The acquisition will become a cornerstone of Enduring Ventures’ broader technology strategy. Following completion, dentsu will partner with Enduring Ventures to help ensure continuity for clients. The business will continue to be led by its experienced management team.
Rob Harvey, Chief Executive Officer, dentsu Australia and New Zealand, says the changes mark the next step in simplifying the business.
“Clients are telling us they want a clearer, more direct way to work with us. These changes are about responding to that by sharpening our focus on what we do best and making it easier for clients to access the full strength of dentsu.” – Rob Harvey, Chief Executive Officer, dentsu Australia and New Zealand
Harvey says the focus is on reducing complexity, organising around client needs, and creating stronger conditions for growth and innovation.
“Clients are telling us they want a clearer, more direct way to work with us. These changes are about responding to that by sharpening our focus on what we do best and making it easier for clients to access the full strength of dentsu.
“Last week we announced our move to bring our media brands together under one united media proposition. Today’s changes are the next step in our strategy to build a more connected dentsu across ANZ by integrating experience, commerce, data and technology capabilities into our core business and continuing to invest in what our clients value most.
“I want to thank the Merkle Salesforce team for their contribution to dentsu over many years. They have built strong client relationships and a business that is well positioned for its next chapter.
“I’m pleased the business will continue to be led locally by Paul Whittaker and Gareth Reason. They have been outstanding partners and leaders for our Merkle business in ANZ. I wish them and the team every success,” said Harvey.
Salesforce remains a key global partner for dentsu and Merkle, with the change applying specifically to ANZ.
The deal is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.
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