AJF and PENSO enter merger; Wunderman Thompson MD Nick Muncaster joins as MD

GrowthOps has announced the merger of AJF Partnership and PENSO and the appointment of former Wunderman Thompson managing director Nick Muncaster as managing director of the new entity.

As the Group continues to bolster and unify some of its key capabilities it will be well positioned to better meet clients’ increasing demand for integrated, digitally led creative and transformative services.

The AJF and PENSO merger follows the recent merger of Khemistry and GO Digital, as well as the creation of a specialist performance marketing business in the Group.

By bringing AJF and PENSO together, PENSO will expand the agency’s digital, CX and strategy capability, as well as its geographical footprint, building on AJF’s core strengths of creativity and effectiveness.

With content sitting at the heart of digital experience, the merger scales PENSO’s clients’ ability to bring digital experiences to life.

Says Clint Cooper, CEO, GrowthOps: “The changes announced today will help to ensure we continue to meet our clients’ evolving needs with world-class services and people across the full spectrum of creative, marketing and digital.

“Over the past six months, the AJF team, led by Con Frantzeskos as the interim MD, has developed a robust three-year strategy that positions the agency as the world’s most sought-after retail and consumer growth partner.

“The merger with PENSO will see AJF’s key sector expertise expand to include tourism and leisure, as well as financial services and insurance. The new entity will offer clients unparalleled marketing expertise to create meaningful moments that move people.

“In the past six months, AJF has also transitioned from being a founder-led business, building and developing a high-performing team of experts bolstered by technology and industry-specific expertise.

“Nick has built a reputation for being an exceptional people-centred leader. And whilst he’s brilliant at partnering with clients and their teams, and highly respected by his staff, it’s also the combination of his strategic smarts and positive energy that mean he’s the right person for the agency.”

Having previously filled senior executive roles at Wunderman Thompson and Ogilvy, Muncaster’s appointment brings strong advertising, technology and leadership experience to AJF.

Muncaster’s 25-year career spans numerous categories from retail, FMCG, energy and tourism to banking, insurance, education and government, amongst others, where he has delivered exceptional marketing and communications outcomes for local and multinational clients and brands.

Says Muncaster: “It’s clearly an exciting time at AJF Partnership as the business continues to innovate and evolve with the merger.

“The opportunity to join the leadership team at an independent agency I’ve long admired, partner with stellar clients, work with a bunch of talented people that share the same ambition and be part of this next chapter is simply incredible and hard to pass up.

“I’m really looking forward to my new role within this wonderful dynamic industry.”

Con Frantzeskos, AJF’s interim managing director is transitioning to a newly created role, group chief growth and innovation officer.

In this role, Frantzeskos will be working closely with our clients from across the Group, helping them to look over the horizon to identify growth opportunities. He will then lead the development of group-wide integrated solutions to bring clients’ growth initiatives to life. Importantly, the role will enable Frantzeskos to continue to work closely with AJF and PENSO’s clients.