Dentsu has promoted Emily Cook to Managing Director of Queensland, following Chris Ernst’s earlier move into the role of Chief Practice Officer.
Cook takes on the role after serving as General Manager of dentsu Queensland, where she helped oversee growth and the simplification of the agency’s offer under the unified dentsu brand.
Cook’s promotion journey
Cook first joined the Queensland business in 2021 as Head of Client Partnerships for Carat before being promoted to General Manager in 2023.
During that period, dentsu says the Queensland operation delivered consecutive years of double-digit growth, while also earning recognition as an AFR Best Place to Work and securing finalist status in Agency of the Year awards.
The Queensland office was also recognised internally as one of the stronger performing markets across APAC for engagement.
External recognition and return from leave
Cook’s leadership was recognised externally through the 2024 Next of the Best Awards, where she won the People and Culture category, and through finalist recognition at the 2025 Campaign Asia Women Leading Change Awards.
She will formally return from parental leave and commence in the new role on 17 March.
Chris Ernst
Ernst, Chief Practice Officer at Dentsu, said Cook had been central to shaping the Queensland business.
“The past five years of partnership with Em, building the agency that is dentsu Queensland, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. There is no one better placed to lead our Queensland business into its next chapter.
“Em brings unparallelled authenticity and an unwavering focus on what’s best for our people and our partners. The impact she’s had on both, and the broader industry is a testament to who she is as a person and a leader, and I’m excited to see her continue to grow and lead in this role.”
Cook comments
Cook said the appointment comes at a significant personal and professional moment.
“I returned to Brisbane five years ago and when I met Chris Ernst I knew it would be the start of something special. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together and the exceptional talent we have across our agency, clients and media partners in Queensland.
“Returning from parental leave and stepping into the role of Managing Director is wonderfully exciting, and I look forward to continuing to champion our client and media partnerships across the state working closely with Chris Ernst and Rob Harvey in this exciting new chapter for dentsu.”
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