The global creative industry is experiencing arguably its biggest upheaval in history.
Some of the most iconic and largest agencies have been absorbed, renamed or retired as shareholders chase scale. AI, tech advancements and shrinking corporate budgets are the major drivers of this industry disruption which has also hit New Zealand hard.
In the midst of this instability, however, one independent, full-service agency in the provinces is bucking the trend and thriving. Local agency King St Advertising says it has delivered 20% year-on-year growth by staying nimble and shifting to a cross-functional, collaborative client approach.
Now, owner Chris Williams is making what he calls a defining move for the agency’s next chapter by appointing three team members into a new leadership team to help lead King St forward into a new era.
Robyn Henwood has been appointed Chief Executive, James Cleary to Chief Creative Officer (CCO), and Kwan Ng to Chief Operating Officer (COO). The trio will work together on the agency’s future direction across strategy, creative, and delivery.
Owner Chris Williams, who has led the full-service agency under the King St banner for 27 years, retains full ownership and remains actively involved. He will transition from day-to-day operational responsibilities into a mentoring and business development role.
“For me personally, this leadership change isn’t about stepping back. This change is about setting King St up for the next era and empowering three proven leaders who already operate in lockstep. I’ve always loved working with clients and team members and this will never change.
“We’ve always worked collaboratively, and this new agency structure makes that our foundation. Clients will see direct involvement from all three leaders and their respective teams, as we continue to evolve to meet their changing needs. We’ve been working in the Tauranga market for the last 27 years and love our association with the Tauranga Business Chamber. We see all this continuing”
Williams says clients are already seeing the benefits of having a team of experienced strategists at the helm.
“With AI and other new technologies being incorporated into our day-to-day work, human-led insights remain even more crucial to the creative solutions we deliver. Having Robyn, James and Kwan working collaboratively in these strategic roles will ensure King St is ready to tackle the new challenges our clients throw our way.”
Williams says King St’s longevity and success comes down to its people and unique agency culture.
About the Author
At KingSt, they believe great marketing starts with understanding people. Every strategy, campaign, and creative idea is built around helping their clients achieve meaningful results.
As a full-service advertising, marketing, media, and digital agency, they combine sharp thinking with practical execution to create work that cuts through, connects, and delivers.
Proudly partnering with businesses across New Zealand, KingSt is driven by curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to making good brands even better.
