Dentsu Aotearoa launches technology practice with Knox

Dentsu Aotearoa has launched a Technology practice, appointing Liz Knox to lead it and adding a dedicated Technology and AI team to its New Zealand business.

Knox has been named Group Executive Director, Technology and Operations, while Jon Devereux has been promoted to Data, Platforms & Technology Director. Together, they will lead the agency's work helping clients adopt AI and other emerging technologies.

The new practice is designed to connect the group's creative, media and customer experience operations. It will work alongside Dentsu Aotearoa's existing Digital Experience and Digital Media teams, which already support digital and technology projects for brands in New Zealand.

Knox joins the Aotearoa Executive Leadership Team with more than 20 years of experience in agency operations, transformation, technology and integrated production. She most recently served as Chief Operations Officer at DDB Group/McCann.

Her appointment comes as agencies across the region reshape their structures around AI, data and automation, while trying to tie those tools more closely to media planning, content production and customer experience. At Dentsu Aotearoa, the new unit sits within a broader Australia and New Zealand strategy for technology, data and AI.

That regional strategy is led by Danica Bellchambers, Chief Data and Technology Officer ANZ. The New Zealand practice is intended to bring AI, data and technology more directly into the company's wider service offering.

Devereux's promotion signals a parallel push to expand technical leadership from within the business. He brings experience across digital media and technical knowledge of how AI and machine learning are used in media and platform operations.

His work has included media buying, platform systems and the use of emerging technology in those areas. This suggests the new practice will focus not only on advisory work, but also on how marketing technology is applied within campaigns and client systems.

Knox outlined her reasons for joining the business in a statement on her appointment. "Dentsu's clear ambition around innovation, integration and delivering modern marketing solutions that create real impact for clients is compelling. The intersection of creativity, customer experience and emerging technology is where my expertise and passion lie. Applying this in practical ways to support clients' evolving needs will enable innovation, operational excellence and stronger commercial outcomes across Dentsu Group and its client base," said Knox, Group Executive Director, Technology and Operations, Dentsu Aotearoa.

Devereux also commented on changes in media and technology workflows. "It's an exciting time in media. AI capabilities are allowing us to build bespoke products for clients at speed, supercharging productivity in a way that was previously not possible," said Devereux.

Client demand

The New Zealand launch reflects a broader shift in agency demand as clients seek more direct advice on AI adoption, data use and workflow integration. Marketing groups have increasingly created specialist teams to respond to requests for practical support rather than standalone experimentation.

For Dentsu Aotearoa, the investment also represents a management change. Knox joins the executive leadership team at a time when agencies are under pressure to show that AI supports existing creative and media operations rather than sitting in separate innovation units.

Rachel Anderson-McCormack, Group Managing Director NZ, said the decision was shaped by changing client needs. "The best marketing has always been built on human insight, strategy and creativity. What is changing is the technology available to make it smarter, faster and more effective. This unit is our commitment to ensuring our clients have access to both: world-class human thinking, powered by the best technology and AI available. Liz and Jon give us the leadership to deliver that at scale," said Anderson-McCormack.

The structure also points to closer integration between operational leadership and technology delivery inside the agency. By combining technology and operations under Knox's remit, Dentsu Aotearoa is linking internal process change with client-facing technology work.

That approach has become more common as agencies try to manage the costs and complexity of AI deployment. It also reflects the growing expectation that technology teams will influence production, customer experience design, media execution and measurement at the same time.

Knox and Devereux will lead the roadmap for client adoption of AI and emerging technologies across the business, working with the established Digital Experience and Digital Media teams that support digital and technology solutions for some of New Zealand's most recognisable brands.