Data cleanroom platform InfoSum has appointed Tim Richardson as its first New Zealand-based hire. Richardson will assume the role of Client Partner, NZ, and will be responsible for leading local client engagement and strategic partnerships in the region.

The appointment follows UK advertising network WPP's acquisition of the technology business in early April. InfoSum company has been operating in New Zealand since 2022 and has seen strong adoption of its data clean room technology among local brands, with local clients including McDonald's, Stuff, NZME, and Trade Me.

Richardson brings a wealth of experience in media and advertising to his new role. His career includes positions at Havas Media Group in Canada and OMD in New Zealand. Additionally, he has held roles in sales, commercial leadership, and data-driven marketing strategy at companies like Captify, Foundry, and Unruly Media.

In his new position, Richardson will focus on helping New Zealand’s brands and media owners connect data securely to unlock richer insights. "InfoSum gives New Zealand’s brands and media owners the ability to connect data securely and unlock richer insights to drive performance and value," he said.

The company, founded in 2016, holds multiple patents for its 'non-movement of data' technology. InfoSum is headquartered in the US, UK, Europe, and Australia, and its expansion into New Zealand is part of its broader strategy to enhance its global footprint.

SVP APAC at InfoSum, Richard Knott, said: "Tim brings deep expertise in data-driven marketing and a clear understanding of the New Zealand media landscape...As our first locally based team member, he’ll play a key role in supporting our clients and partners as they adopt privacy-first data collaboration at scale."

The appointment comes at a time when the industry is grappling with the deprecation of third-party cookies and increased scrutiny on data privacy.

"With the deprecation of third-party cookies and growing scrutiny on data privacy, the need for a safer, smarter way to collaborate is more urgent than ever, and InfoSum is perfectly placed to deliver that," said Richardson.