Thompson Spencer expands trans-Tasman media team
Melanie Spencer: 'We’ve seen phenomenal growth across the business over the past 12 months... Building out our media team is the next step in that journey.'
Thompson Spencer has appointed Jake Calder, Madison Trevella and Libby Frost to build its trans-Tasman media capability.
Auckland-based Calder, formerly of OMD and MBM, joins the agency as Media Director / Media Futurist.
He has more than 10 years of experience leading performance and digital transformation for brands including Air New Zealand, Spark, The Warehouse Group and the New Zealand Government. Calder will lead the agency’s media innovation and data-driven approach.
Melbourne-based Trevella, previously with OMD and most recently Strategy & Client Lead at Reason, joins as Head of Media. She will focus on integrating media with brand strategy and performance outcomes.
Also joining in Auckland is Media Planner Frost, most recently at EssenceMediacom, with experience in media strategy, digital planning and integrated campaigns across agency and client roles.
Thompson Spencer Co-CEO Melanie Spencer said the appointments follow the agency’s 2025 merger with Reason and its expansion into the Australian market.
“We’ve seen phenomenal growth across the business over the past 12 months - from major new business wins to our merger with Reason and continued expansion into the Australian market,” Spencer said.
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“Building out our media team is the next step in that journey. Jake, Madison and Libby each bring fresh thinking and proven expertise to help us deliver even greater impact for our clients.”
Calder - also Chair of the IAB Programmatic Council in 2023 and Emerging Tech Council in 2024 - is a recognised thought leader across automation, AI and digital media innovation. He’s regularly featured at industry events including Google’s Publisher Academy, Scope3 and the IAB.
The agency’s 12-person media team now works across strategy, planning, media futurism and cross-market operations, serving clients in tourism, property, retail, finance, insurance, FMCG and e-commerce.
Calder is Chair of the IAB Emerging Tech Council in 2024 and was Chair of the Programmatic Council in 2023. He has spoken at events including Google’s Publisher Academy, Scope3 and the IAB.
“This is the kind of opportunity you say yes to straight away,” Calder said.
“Thompson Spencer has long understood the value of media, and there’s a clear ambition to take it even further. Clients are asking for smart, connected media that actually moves the needle - and that’s exactly what we’re continuing to build. I’m excited to help shape what modern media should look like.”
Top image: Jake Calder, Madison Trevella and Libby Frost
