Dentsu ANZ appoints Danica Bellchambers to lead AI
Dentsu ANZ has appointed Danica Bellchambers as Chief Data & Technology Officer in a newly created role bringing together data, technology and AI leadership across its operations in Australia and New Zealand.
Bellchambers will join the Dentsu ANZ Executive Leadership Team. Her remit connects data, technology and AI work across the group's Media, Creative and Experience practices, and aligns data and technology teams under a single strategy.
New Role
Dentsu described the position as a horizontal leadership function across its lines of business, reflecting a shift towards a more connected approach to data and AI rather than separate initiatives within individual practices.
The appointment comes as marketing services groups increase investment in data and AI tools and work to integrate them into media planning, creative development, customer experience and measurement. Dentsu said the role supports its broader strategy for applying data and technology in client work.
Rob Harvey, Chief Executive Officer, Dentsu ANZ, said: "Danica is exactly the leader we need at this moment. We're already doing great work across data, technology and AI, and her appointment is about accelerating that momentum and connecting our capability more deeply across the organisation. She brings deep expertise that will help us scale what we're doing well and deliver even greater value for our clients. Our focus is firmly on client impact, and Danica's leadership will play a key role in helping us deliver more modern, integrated and effective outcomes. I'm excited to welcome her to the team as we continue to move forward with confidence."
Background
Bellchambers joins Dentsu from Nine, where she was Head of Product, AI. She led AI product strategy and oversaw the development and deployment of AI-driven solutions across content, audience and commercial use cases.
Before Nine, she held senior leadership roles at Clemenger BBDO, leading data science and analytics for clients and embedding analytics and AI into marketing and creative programmes.
Her industry recognition includes being named in B&T's 2025 Top 10 Best of the Best Chief Product & Technology Officers list and winning the 2024 B&T Women in Media Award (Tech). She holds a Master of Applied Analytics and additional qualifications in artificial intelligence.
Operational Focus
Within Dentsu ANZ, the role focuses on coordinating data and technology capabilities already in place across the organisation. The brief includes developing a cohesive data, technology and AI strategy that connects the company's media, creative and customer experience teams.
Bellchambers will also draw on Dentsu's global AI products, platforms and partnerships, alongside a local build-out of solutions for teams and clients across ANZ.
For large marketing services networks, the operational challenge often lies in governance and integration rather than experimentation. Groups typically juggle central platforms, client-specific data arrangements and varying levels of technical capability across agencies and service lines. Dentsu's new structure signals a move towards consolidated regional leadership for these functions.
Bellchambers said her appointment reflects a push for closer alignment of teams and technology.
"There is a clear, bold ambition at dentsu to unify people, data, and technology to supercharge creativity. I'm excited to work with the talented teams already in the business to build on their strong foundations and architect a high-performance data and AI strategy, leveraging the strength of our global capabilities to deliver high-impact, local results that drive our clients' businesses forward," said Bellchambers.
Bellchambers will commence in the role on 11 May.