Kimberlee Wells named CEO of TBWA\Australia

Kimberlee Wells has been appointed chief executive officer of TBWA\Australia, expanding her leadership remit to cover both Sydney and Melbourne.

Wells has led TBWA\Melbourne for nearly a decade, building long-term client partnerships with NAB and Australian Defence Force Recruiting and steering the agency through a period of sustained growth.

Her promotion comes as Omnicom introduces its new Oceania operating model across Australia and New Zealand, led by Nick Garrett as CEO. The model is designed to give agencies access to greater scale, data and technology while retaining their creative independence.

Garrett said Wells was a standout leader in the industry. “I’ve known Kimberlee for more than a decade and have huge respect for her. She’s passionate, tenacious and curious - qualities that make her stand out as a leader. Her ability to build strong client partnerships and lead people with conviction sets her apart.”

Wells said the new role would allow TBWA to push its Disruption® philosophy further. “Working alongside Nick and our national leadership team, our clients will experience the full potency of TBWA’s Disruption® philosophy, amplified by the scale and capability that only Omnicom can offer.”

Erin Riley, global CEO of TBWA\Worldwide, added: “Kimberlee is the right leader to carry TBWA\Australia into this next chapter. She brings clarity in complexity and conviction in creativity, alongside a track record of strong commercial problem solving with her client partners.”

Wells will continue in her global role as practice lead of Sustain by TBWA.