Media Design School Names Darryn Melrose CEO
Former CEO of M Saatchi in Auckland and founder of the Digital Leadership Group named to global leader in digital media arts education;
former CEO Frances Valintine transitioning to chair Media Design School Strategic Advisory Board
Auckland—June 27, 2013—Darryn Melrose has been named the new CEO of Media Design School, New Zealand’s most awarded tertiary institute for
creative industries, effective June 24. Melrose brings more than 15 years of experience in the digital and mobile
economy to his role at Media Design School. Previous CEO Frances Valintine is transitioning from her existing role to
assume a strategic visionary position as chair of the newly established Media Design School Strategic Advisory Board.
Melrose has led innovative brand, retail and digital strategies for some of the best names in business and industry.
During his tenure as CEO of M Saatchi, he worked with companies such as APN Online, Education New Zealand, Jetstar, Maori Television, Orcon, and
Qantas Airways. Prior to joining Saatchi, Melrose was the CEO of AIM Proximity, the leading digital and direct marketing
company in New Zealand.
“We are pleased to have Darryn join Media Design School as its new CEO,” said Vivian Sanchez, CEO of Laureate Art,
Architecture & Design Education. “Darryn is the perfect candidate to lead Media Design School in its next stage of development. His
commitment to our mission, innovative approach to leading strategic expansions and understanding of the global digital
space will have a significant impact on the future of Media Design School.”
Melrose believes Media Design School has the reputation, quality and industry connections to be the number one digital
design institution in the world.
“Our students, faculty, staff and alumni make Media Design School a formidable force in higher education—not just in New
Zealand, but worldwide,” said Melrose. “I’m looking forward to working with the dedicated, world-class team of people
here and throughout the Laureate International Universities network, and to building on our outstanding achievements.”
ABOUT MEDIA DESIGN SCHOOL
Media Design School is New Zealand’s most-awarded private tertiary institution for the creative industries and
distinguished by its close alignment to industry. The Auckland-based school offers specialist degrees for emerging
creative industries including the Bachelor of Art and Design (3D Animation and Visual Effects), the Bachelor of Creative
Technologies (Game Art), the Bachelor of Software Engineering (Game Programming) and the Bachelor of Media Design. A
range of graduate qualifications are also available. Media Design School is part of Laureate International Universities,
the world’s largest private university group with 70 universities in 29 countries, including dedicated design schools in
San Diego, California, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA; and Milan, Italy. For more information, visit www.mediadesignschool.com.
ENDS