Ben McCallum has been appointed General Manager, Media at cummins&partners following his recent exit from UM Sydney as Managing Director.
He will oversee the indie agency’s media product across Australia.
McCallum brings over two decades of experience to cummins&partners as the agency brings together its media, creative, strategy, and PR offerings.
His previous role as Managing Director of UM Sydney was made redundant after three years in the position.
McCallum said of his new role: “What drew me to C&P was the chance to work inside a truly integrated model, where media isn’t an add-on but part of the thinking from day one,” McCallum said of his new role.
“From the first few conversations, it just made sense. There was a shared view on the pace things need to move, and the role media can play when it’s working closely with creative and strategy.
“It’s the kind of setup that can really shift things for clients – commercially and creatively.”
Sean Cummins, founder and chief creative officer, added: “We didn’t want a media leader who just ticks boxes.
“We wanted someone who could challenge conventions, integrate deeply with creative, and help build the kind of media product that makes clients sit up.
“Ben’s the real deal – smart, commercial and creatively engaged. That’s a rare mix, and we’re lucky to have him.”
McCallum’s career journey
Before joining the IPG Mediabrands agency in 2022, McCallum was part of Mediacom Sydney, first joining in 2015 as head of The Entertainment Division, overseeing implementation, design and investment. He then moved up to general manager before stepping up to managing director of Mediacom Sydney in 2019.
McCallum’s career started in the UK with MediaVision and MEC, before he joined Zenith in London as a trading director and overseeing key accounts such as O2, Toyota, Lexus, British Airways, Armani and Richemont.
After six years in the role, he continued his stint with the Publicis Groupe agency but this time relocating to Sydney where he was group investment director.
Top image: Ben McCallum