Meta’s long-serving sales and marketing leader for Australia and New Zealand, Naomi Shepherd, has called time on her 14-year tenure with the tech giant.
Shepherd has served as group industry director since 2017, back when the company was still known as Facebook, having first joined the social media platform in 2012 as a client partner.
Mumbrella could not confirm whether Shepherd’s role will be replaced, or who would assume her responsibilities in the interim.
In a statement, Will Easton, managing director of Meta ANZ, said: “Naomi has been a great colleague and leader, and a hugely valued part of our team for almost 14 years. In the 13 years I’ve worked alongside her, I’ve seen the heart, sound judgement and real grit she brings to everything she does.
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“She’s made a lasting difference to our team, our partners, and our culture. We’re going to miss her a great deal, but we’re incredibly proud of what she’s achieved here, and we’ll be cheering her on in whatever comes next.”
Shepherd declined to comment further, although Mumbrella understands she has not officially left the company.
Announcing her departure on Linkedin yesterday, Sherherd said: “I’ve been here longer than most, which gives you a different perspective on a place like this. I’ve seen it grow and evolve a few times over.
“I started as an IC5 Client Partner and ended up leading the ANZ Advertising business. There’s been plenty of wins, a fair few losses, and a lot of lessons along the way.
“What I’ll take with me most is the people. The teams I’ve built and worked alongside. People who care about the work, who back each other, who say the thing that needs to be said, and who know when to have a laugh.
To my clients and partners across ANZ, thank you. The trust and the willingness to be challenged and to challenge back has been a big part of what made this role so rewarding.”
She signed off by saying she was “looking forward to what’s next.”