AUCKLAND, Today: Independent full-funnel agency Thompson Spencer has boosted its media team, adding three seasoned experts from OMD, MBM and EssenceMediacom to strengthen its trans-Tasman media capability.
Based in Auckland, Jake Calder, formerly of OMD and MBM, joins as Media Director / Media Futurist. With over a decade leading performance and digital transformation for brands like Air New Zealand, Spark, The Warehouse Group and the New Zealand Government, Calder will drive media innovation and a data-led approach.
Joining from Melbourne is Madison Trevella, previously with OMD and most recently Strategy & Client Lead at Reason, appointed Head of Media. She’s focused on creating a clear, integrated media offer that connects brand strategy with performance outcomes.
Also in Auckland is Media Planner Libby Frost. Most recently at EssenceMediacom, she brings expertise in media strategy, digital planning and integrated campaign delivery across both agency and client-side roles.
“Building out our media team is the next step in that journey. Jake, Madison and Libby each bring fresh thinking and proven expertise to help us deliver even greater impact for our clients.” – Melanie Spencer
Thompson Spencer Co-CEO Melanie Spencer says the appointments reflect the agency’s momentum and commitment to building a best-in-class media function.
“We’ve seen phenomenal growth across the business over the past 12 months – from major new business wins to our merger with Reason and continued expansion into the Australian market,” Spencer said.
“Building out our media team is the next step in that journey. Jake, Madison and Libby each bring fresh thinking and proven expertise to help us deliver even greater impact for our clients.”
Calder – also Chair of the IAB Programmatic Council in 2023 and Emerging Tech Council in 2024 – is a recognised thought leader in automation, AI and digital media innovation. He’s a regular at events including Google’s Publisher Academy, Scope3 and the IAB.
“This is the kind of opportunity you say yes to straight away,” Calder said. “Thompson Spencer has long understood the value of media, and there’s a clear ambition to take it even further.
“Clients are asking for smart, connected media that actually moves the needle – and that’s exactly what we’re continuing to build. I’m excited to help shape what modern media should look like.”
The announcement follows Thompson Spencer’s 2025 merger with Reason and its expansion into Australia. The growing 12-person media team now spans strategy, planning, media futurism and trans-Tasman expertise, working across tourism, property, retail, finance, insurance, FMCG and e-commerce.
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