James Bennett has been appointed Group Planning Director and Deputy Head of Planning at NZ's Colenso BBDO. Bennett, originally from Melbourne, has spent the past seven years at Wieden+Kennedy London, where he contributed to projects for major clients such as Sainsbury's, Samsung, Formula 1, and Nike.

Bennett said, "I've always credited Colenso BBDO for helping me fall in love with this industry. Whether it be from Melbourne or London, I've watched them from afar with jealousy-convinced they must know something the rest of us don't. So, when the offer came through, I knew I couldn't say no. I can't wait to get stuck into the work with their world-class team (and obviously uncover their secrets)."

Angela Watson, CEO of Colenso BBDO, commented, "We've always had a soft spot for who think differently. James is one of those minds. He arrives with global experience, unfiltered curiosity, and the kind of strategic hunger that keeps everyone else on their toes."

Rob Campbell, Chief Strategy Officer of Colenso BBDO stated, "There's loads of people who talk a great game about their strategic chops. James showed it through the range of incredible work he's actually made. If that didn't win me over, his beautiful smile did."