CHE Proximity, PHD and Deloitte have topped the list of Most Innovative Companies across Australia and New Zealand, compiled by the Australian Financial Review.
Overall, several companies across the media, marketing and advertising sector made the cut with CHE Proximity leading the pack in fourth place, followed by PHD in sixth place and Deloitte in 10th.
Digital marketing agency Sparro (12), Ogilvy (30), M&C Saatchi (32), GPJ (55), Leo Burnett (64), OMD (69), Dentsu (90) and Isobar (100) were the other agencies that landed on the list.
M&C Saatchi dropped considerably from its first place positioning last year, with Leo Burnett also dropping from fourth to 64th as competition on the list heats up.
The list is based on a rigorous assessment process managed by Australia’s innovation consultancy, Inventium, in conjunction with a panel of industry expert judges. The assessment measures a top innovation implemented in the past 12 months.
Another notable mention includes Tourism Australia, which came in 23rd place after its bold Super Bowl work.
CHE Proximity CEO Chris Howatson humbly credited his clients, as well as the agency's investment in growth, for the win.
"This award is as much in recognition to our clients as it is of our efforts in supporting them. Collectively we have invested significantly in data, experience, technology, media and influence people and process over recent years, and that effort is showing up in the positive transformation of their business. We’re very proud to be placed in the top 10," he says.
Deloitte's DeloitteASSIST platform, a voice-activated hospital bedside assistant, was listed as an example of world-class innovation.
“This is an incredible result that makes us very proud,” said Clare Harding, Deloitte’s chief strategy officer.
“After four years of consistently being recognised as an Innovative Company, it’s fantastic this year to be recognised for a client innovation, with DeloitteASSIST, and to share this award with our client, the Prince of Wales hospital."
PHD CEO Mark Coad says its position is an "incredible achievement" which the agency is extremely proud of.
"We set ourselves a mission 18 months ago to drive innovation further at PHD and this recognition is testament to the smart people at PHD that have delivered this," he says.
Tourism Australia CMO Lisa Ronson says innovation is one of the core values of the tourism body.
"We are so proud to be named the 23rd most innovative company in the AFR awards last night.... Our team has been relentless in pushing the boundaries on creativity, best practice and improving customer experience on our platforms. We very pleased to be on the list two years running and jumping 12 places this year," she says.
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