Oliver King joins Thompson Spencer as strategy lead

Thompson Spencer has appointed Oliver King as managing partner, strategy.

King joins the agency from Spark Foundry, where he led strategy. He has previously held strategy leadership roles at OMD, Ikon Communications and Carat.

He will oversee Thompson Spencer’s strategic direction across its client portfolio, working with its strategy, creative, media, social, influencer, production, performance and technology teams.

Appointment follows account wins

King’s appointment follows several account wins for Thompson Spencer, including Honda New Zealand, New Zealand Police, Michael Hill Jeweller and First Table in London.

The agency has also been appointed to lead Musashi’s entry into the Middle East.

“Olly is quite simply one of the best strategic minds in New Zealand, and we’re incredibly excited to have him join us,” says Melanie Spencer, Group CEO of Thompson Spencer. 

“He has an extraordinary ability to see connections others don’t: between brands and people, creativity and media, culture and commercial opportunity.

“What makes Olly especially right for Thompson Spencer is that he is a true creative at heart. He understands that media is in everything, and the importance of sculpting strategies that allow ideas to travel across channels and shape every experience that follows. He is already making a tangible difference across the agency and for our clients.”

King takes on strategy remit

King holds a Master of Fine Arts and a Master of Arts in Arts Management. His remit will include media strategy and developing creative ideas across channels.

“What drew me here is Thompson Spencer starts with connection,” said King.

 “The traditional funnel no longer reflects how people discover and interact with brands - society is now organised around the smartphone, and creativity can't be separated from the channels in which it appears. Ideas need to connect with different people in different ways, without losing what makes them powerful.

“There’s a rare combination of creative ambition, media intelligence, and momentum here. I’m looking forward to bringing those strengths together and being part of what comes next for our clients and the agency.”

“Thompson Spencer is unique, and so is Olly,” added Spencer. “It’s a perfect match.”