Published on: September 28, 2026
Zenith Australia has expanded its leadership structure with the appointment of Brisbane Managing Director Warwick Taylor as Chief Operating Officer, while Kate Lippett has been promoted to Managing Director of the agency’s Brisbane office.
The appointments take effect immediately, with both Taylor and Lippett joining Zenith Australia’s Executive Leadership Team.
Taylor steps into the newly created national COO position after more than eight years with Zenith. He has spent the last two years as Managing Director and National Head of Operations in Brisbane, where he has led the local business and its operational development.
In his new position, Taylor will work across Zenith Australia to strengthen operational capabilities, support innovation and help scale the agency’s operations while continuing to focus on client outcomes.
The new COO role has been established as Zenith’s national operations continue to expand, allowing Taylor to apply his experience from the Brisbane business to a broader national remit.
“It has been a privilege to lead the Zenith Brisbane team over the past eight years, the last two alongside Kate in her previous role as general manager,” Taylor said.
“I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together and grateful for the support of the team, clients and our media partners across that time.
“I’m excited to take those experiences to a national role, partnering with our people and clients across the country to help them continue to thrive in a constantly evolving market.”
Lippett will succeed Taylor as Brisbane Managing Director, moving into the position from her previous role as General Manager. She has spent more than four years at Zenith and will oversee the Brisbane operation, including its commercial performance, growth strategy, culture and client relationships.
Her new role also sees her join Zenith Australia’s Executive Leadership Team.
“I’m incredibly honoured to be appointed managing director of Zenith Brisbane, an agency defined by its exceptional people, strong culture and valued client partnerships, and to build on the outstanding legacy Warwick has created,” Lippett said.
“Brisbane is one of Australia’s most exciting and fast-growing markets, and I’m energised by the opportunity to lead such a talented team as we continue helping our clients unlock new opportunities and navigate change.”
Zenith Australia CEO Jason Tonelli said the leadership changes demonstrate the agency’s internal leadership depth while supporting its ongoing expansion.
“Warwick has played a critical role in building high-performing teams and helping to shape the culture and capabilities that underpin our business today,” Tonelli said.
“His experience, leadership and deep understanding of our clients make him a natural fit for this role.”
Commenting on Lippett’s appointment, Tonelli said she had demonstrated “strong leadership, commercial acumen and a deep commitment to our people, clients and culture”.
“Importantly, having two Brisbane-based leaders on our national Executive Leadership Team reflects both the depth of talent we have in Queensland and our long-term commitment to investing in Brisbane as a critical growth market shaping the future of our business,” he said.
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