Jane Sweeney
Executive chair and co-founder
Anthem
New Zealand
Jane Sweeney has spent more than four decades building, leading, and reshaping communications businesses in New Zealand and offshore. At 54, she co-founded Anthem, applying that experience to a more flexible and commercially durable model for agency growth.
Her career began at World Vision of New Zealand in 1981 before she moved into agency life. At Brett's DCA, she became the PR firm's first female partner at 27, then the first female partner to have a child and continue her career — experiences that shaped her belief that strong businesses should not force women to choose between leadership and family. As New Zealand trade commissioner in Paris, she grew her client book to 65 across France and North Africa.
Returning home, she grew Consultus into Acumen Group with 85 consultants, was headhunted to revitalise Porter Novelli, and rebuilt its client base while launching new services. She then co-founded Anthem in 2014, building it into a respected independent consultancy.
Sweeney was a founding member of Global Women, helping bring the senior women's network to life in Aotearoa in 2009. Since launching with 75 members, it has grown to more than 400 members and over 1,750 alumnae. Her business partner, Carolyn Kerr, whom Sweeney mentored from account director to CEO and co-founder, is a testament to her commitment to developing leaders.
To Quote: "She combines commercial sharpness with genuine purpose and ethics… What sets Jane apart is her longevity at the top of her field, coupled with a continued drive to innovate and contribute to her clients and wider community.” - Katherine Rich, Chief Executive of BusinessNZ
