RyanCap founder Simon Ryan has taken aim at leadership instability within Australia’s global media holding companies, arguing that rapid CEO turnover at the parent level is a key driver of record growth for independent agencies.
Speaking on the latest episode of Mediaweek’s Newsmakers, Ryan pointed to the churn as a symptom of networks struggling to execute consistent strategy while under pressure to consolidate.
“It’s not surprising to have three CEOs in five years, which in my view lacks consistency, lacks foresight and lacks the ability to execute a strategy,” Ryan said.
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Ryan didn’t name specific networks or executives, but the comments land as global holding companies continue to fold brands and businesses together amid consolidation drives – activity he says is opening the door for independents to pick up talent, clients and market share.
RyanCap, which Ryan built out of a capital business focused on acquisitions across media, tech, data, and consultancy, was sold to Paris-based Cosmo Five after what he described as three years of rapid growth.
“The takeaway is that it’s a very healthy thing to do,” Ryan said of the current wave of dealmaking hitting local agencies, pointing to valuation gaps between Australian and overseas markets as one factor drawing acquirers in.
On what comes next for the independent sector, Ryan was similarly measured. “I still think there’s a lot of room to grow,” he said – leaving the finer detail of how, and at whose expense, for the full conversation.
The episode draws on new data from the Trinity P3 New Business Report and the IMAA Census, which show that independents captured 64.4% of all pitch wins in Australia, up from 47.4% in 2024.
You can listen to the full episode with Simon Ryan here, or wherever you get your podcasts.