dentsu has appointed Chris Ernst as Chief Practice Officer – Media, Australia, tasking the long-time company leader with steering the group’s national media business through its next phase of integration and growth.
The promotion underscores dentsu’s commitment to developing senior leadership from within, with Ernst set to drive closer alignment across its media brands while strengthening client outcomes through the group’s connected capabilities.
Scaling Queensland success nationally
Ernst brings more than 20 years’ experience across Australia and the UK, spanning media strategy, client leadership and business transformation.
He joined dentsu in 2019 as managing director of dentsu Queensland, where he led a sustained period of commercial growth anchored in what the company describes as purpose-led, people-first leadership.
Under his tenure, the Queensland operation recorded the highest internal agency engagement scores across dentsu Australia, alongside record client Net Promoter Scores. The business also earned AFR Best Place to Work recognition and multiple finalist nods across the B&T State Agency of the Year and People and Culture awards.
Ernst himself was named Mediaweek’s Next of the Best Executive Leader in 2025.
‘A people-first leader’
dentsu ANZ chief executive Rob Harvey said Ernst’s appointment reflects both his leadership style and the depth of talent within the organisation.
“Chris is a people-first leader who lifts the energy in every room. He builds teams that care, perform, and grow – and he brings a rare depth of client connection,” Harvey said.
“It’s a testament to our internal talent that we can promote someone of Chris’ calibre. I’m confident he will take the success he’s driven in Queensland and scale it nationally for our clients and our people.”
A pivotal moment for media
In his first comments in the new role, Ernst said the appointment comes at a critical juncture for dentsu’s media business.
“I’m honoured to step into this role at a pivotal time for our media business and for dentsu,” he said.
“We have extraordinary people and capability across the organisation and a unique opportunity to bring that together in powerful ways.”
He added that his focus would be on strengthening collaboration and building momentum across markets.
“I’m excited to work with teams nationally to build on what’s already working, strengthen collaboration and deliver meaningful growth and impact for our clients, our partners and our people.”
What happens next
Ernst will report directly to Harvey and join the dentsu ANZ Executive Leadership Team. He will spend significant time across Sydney, Melbourne and Queensland to maintain close ties with clients and teams, before transitioning his base to Sydney in the first half of 2026.
The move positions dentsu to push harder on integration at a time when clients are demanding sharper connectivity across media, data and creative – and signals confidence that its next phase of growth will be driven from within.