Colmar Brunton NZ Name To Go as Kantar Integrates

Kantar has announced the formal integration of New Zealand's Colmar Brunton into its business, with the Colmar Brunton name to be phased out by the end of this year. All 121 staff in the country will join one of two new NZ divisions, Kantar or Kantar Public.

The two will function as separate legal entities. Sarah Bolger, formerly Head of Colmar Brunton, and former Kantar Head David Thomas will lead the new Insights division of Kantar in New Zealand, while Kantar Public will be co-led by Jocelyn Rout and Michael Dunne, both formerly Executive Directors of Colmar Brunton.

Colmar Brunton has enjoyed a high profile in NZ since its launch more than forty years ago, partnering for the last quarter century with Television New Zealand for the 1 NEWS Colmar Brunton political poll, tracking the popularity of political parties and politicians. It also produces two annual reports, Better Futures and Corporate Reputation Index, in association with partner organisations. The NZ company split with Colmar Brunton Australia in the 1990s: the former merged with Millward Brown as long ago as 2005, while the latter sold a majority stake to Marcoms group STW in 2013 and joined WPP and then Kantar - the Colmar Brunton Australia brand was retired last February.

Jon Foged, MD of Kantar's Insights division for Australia and New Zealand, says the new structure is 'the culmination of a multi-year transformation of Kantar's presence across ANZ'. He comments: 'The integration of the expertise and legacy of Colmar Brunton into Kantar is a powerful opportunity for the greater Kantar business. Specifically, Kantar will become the largest commercial insights agency in New Zealand, with more ability than any other agency to solve clients' business issues and assist in driving growth. We are all delighted to welcome such a talented group of people and experts into our business. The addition of Colmar Brunton's expertise and passionate people will make us a much stronger partner for our New Zealand clients across the board'.

Web site: www.colmarbrunton.co.nz .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.