Zenith names new head of people and culture

Publicis Groupe’s agency Zenith has made a new executive appointment, with Madel Giles joining as head of people and culture, moving from WPP AUNZ.

Giles returned to Publicis after five years with the the organisation in 2010, Giles will work alongside the CEO to provide technical coaching and counsel, as well drive a range of people strategies and projects.

Alongside Giles, Zenith also named two internal promotions, with Jack Telford as the newly-created SEO group business director, and Jessica Armstrong as Melbourne head of investment.

Telford joined from his previous role as SEO business director at Performics UK, and Armstrong moved from her position as Melbourne head of investment for Starcom’s Melbourne office.

Telford will bolster Zenith’s in-house SEO offering, while Armstrong will look after the agency’s investment product for the Melbourne market.

Incoming Zenith CEO, Jason Tonelli, said: “We are excited for Madel to bring her phenomenal expertise in people and culture – allowing our team to do the best work of their careers. We are also pleased to welcome the talented Jess Armstrong and Jack Telford, who join the agency at a pivotal time of growth and momentum for the business.”

Giles said: “Zenith has a legacy of strong leadership and talent, and I’m excited to work in partnership with Jason Tonelli and the Zenith team. I am equally honoured to join the Publicis People and Culture team, who I have continued to admire over the years as Chief Talent Officer, Pauly Grant, continues to transform the people function by implementing creative and bold solutions.”

Telford said: “Organic Search brings a unique brand of customer insight that can accelerate any client strategy – and I’m excited to sink my teeth in and supercharge the results we deliver for our clients.”

Zenith has recently retained its existing account with the supermarket chainAldi.