Nikki McKelvie
Managing Director, Dentsu Creative Aotearoa
Nikki McKelvie is a highly experienced agency leader who has played a pivotal role in shaping the creative landscape of Aotearoa. Before joining Dentsu Creative, Nikki spent 13 years at DDB Aotearoa, most recently as Managing Director, where she helped steer the country’s largest integrated creative agency. During her four years as Managing Director, the agency won eight Agency of the Year titles across Spikes, Axis, and Award.
Nikki is deeply passionate about the power of creativity to fuel business growth and believes that strong relationships, trust, and creating space for people to thrive are essential to unlocking great work. Throughout her 25-year career, she has partnered with some of the most successful local and global brands, delivering smart strategy, bold creativity, and seamless end-to-end execution for clients both big and small.
Her experience spans a wide range of industries including banking, FMCG, retail, insurance, electronics, pharma, telco, services, media, publishing, and government. Nikki brings a deeply integrated view of marketing and is a proud champion of the inclusion of te ao Māori in business and communications. She is especially proud to have led the launch of Takitoru, a Māori creative agency dedicated to weaving Māori perspectives into brand storytelling.
Known for her energy, honesty, and drive, Nikki has a proven track record of leading teams through change, delivering strong business outcomes, and producing highly awarded work; recognised at Effies, Cannes Lions, D&AD, Spikes, Axis, and The Award.
