Spark Foundry Appoints Ex-Mindshare Leader as Melbourne MD

Publicis Groupe's Spark Foundry has appointed Christian Solomon as Managing Director of its Melbourne office, filling a vacancy created when Peter Butler departed in February after a decade in the role.

Solomon joins from Mindshare Melbourne, a rival agency owned by WPP, where he served as Managing Partner on the NAB account since 2018.

Solomon Brings Rare China Digital Background to the Role

Before joining Mindshare, Solomon spent six years at Mediacom China, where he rose to Chief Digital Officer. That tenure gave him direct experience managing digital transformation for brands operating in one of the world's most advanced digital markets.

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Spark Foundry Australia CEO Matt Turl said the agency ran an extensive search across Melbourne, Sydney, and international markets before selecting Solomon. "We've been in the market for a new managing director for several months, looking across Melbourne, Sydney and internationally for the right person. It was a rigorous process," Turl said.

Solomon will also serve on Spark Foundry's national leadership team, extending his responsibilities beyond Melbourne.

New Brand Direction Shapes Solomon's Mandate

Solomon's appointment follows Spark Foundry's launch of a new brand positioning called "intelligent disobedience," which encourages brands to stand out through differentiation rather than playing it safe.

Turl has explicitly tied Solomon's role to delivering that agenda. "Chris will be instrumental in driving our new brand positioning of 'intelligent disobedience', balancing that with his strong client service background," Turl said. "He will help drive client-led solutions and represents a step-change opportunity to further embed artificial intelligence and automation into the way we work."

Solomon cited the agency's momentum as a key reason for taking the role. "I was attracted to the momentum at Spark Foundry, as well as the reputation of Publicis Group globally," he said. "I'm excited to join the team and will be focused on accelerating growth, using the technology platforms Publicis has already developed and invested in."

Melbourne Office Manages Major Client Accounts

The Melbourne office holds a significant client portfolio, including Toyota, AustralianSuper, and Cancer Council, which the office won in 2023. Solomon inherits these accounts as a base for growth.

Globally, Spark Foundry retained all 70-plus clients during 2024, with 42.8% of organic growth coming from existing client expansion. The network also added new business that year, including a US$15 million account with Thermacell and a US$11 million regional quick-service restaurant client.

Spark Foundry has also reclaimed the top position in Asia Pacific media agency rankings, providing regional context for the Melbourne appointment.

Leadership Shift Reshapes Melbourne Agency Market

Butler, who held the Melbourne MD role for approximately 10 years, has joined independent agency Media33 as Managing Partner. His departure closes a long chapter of stable leadership at the office.

Solomon's move from Mindshare to Spark Foundry represents a direct transfer of senior talent between two of the world's largest advertising holding groups. Following his exit, Peta Southcombe has stepped into Solomon's former role at Mindshare Melbourne.

Solomon brings more than 20 years of advertising and technology experience to the position.