Former IKON Brisbane managing director, Chris Ernst, has joined specialist full-service agency, Media Merchants within a newly created role as commercial director.
The role will see Ernst work closely with Media Merchants media director, Justine Butler as the agency looks to take advantage of it’s full service model for retailers and brands seeking dynamic, agile and effective business solutions.
“The ability to be a cohesive full-service agency partner who can deliver to the new advertising dynamic is something spoken about widely in market, but we truly have the resources, capability and experienced team to deliver it,” said Media Merchants managing director, James Fitzgerald.
“The appointment of Chris is a pivotal part of our strategy to take an aggressive and clear path to full realization and communication of this”
Media Merchants has office locations across Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne and offers full service capabilities extending to in-house commercial and content production, digital development including eCommerce and SEM, strategy, creative, media trading and print services.
The agency has developed a strong retail reputation in market over 20 years, with it’s client base now including major national retailers and brands, most recently adding Endota Spa to it’s Melbourne portfolio in late 2018.
Prior to joining Media Merchants, Ernst worked in the UK and Australia leading clients including Bunnings, Target, Flight Centre, ING and Coca Cola, developing, optimising and executing advanced digital and communications strategies. He finished with IKON Brisbane in December 2018 after leading the successful growth of the agency in his tenure as Managing Director.
Ernst added: “I’m thrilled to be joining one of Australia’s most respected independent agencies. James and his team have built a business with defined values, an engaged and aligned team and trusted client and partner relationships. I can’t wait to get started.”
[1] Source Bandt
