The former The Australian editor steps into a newly created role leading communications across Australia and New Zealand.
The holding company will again direct clients to the DSP after months of wrangling over alleged hidden programmatic fees.
Arthur Sadoun remains the lowest-paid holdco CEO amongst rivals WPP and Omnicom.
McAlister will lead STORYx's new content integration, strategy and solutions function.
The ad tech platform reported about A$953 million in March quarter revenue as agency scrutiny over fees continues.
One thousand staff will take part in the course, which is aimed at scaling marketing effectiveness across ANZ.
The group said core operations delivered 3.9 per cent organic growth after its IPG acquisition.
CFO François Laroze said the company is prepared to consider larger acquisitions.
It comes as the company continues to reassess its broader agency structure.
It comes as as the agency restructures its leadership model to support national alignment and client growth.
It comes after hidden fee concerns were raised.
Applications for Cohort 2 close on 30 March 2026.
The campaign recognises the unseen labour that powers industries across Australia and New Zealand.
He'll step into the roles of Partner and Senior Advisor.
