Clemenger Melbourne boss Nick Garrett has been named CEO of Clemenger Sydney as current CEO Andy Pontin prepares to exit the business next year, AdNews can reveal.
He will now take over leadership of Sydney and Melbourne.
Garrett was appointed Clemenger Melbourne CEO in 2015, replacing Peter Biggs. Prior to that he was CEO of Colenso BBDO in New Zealand.
AdNews understands staff were briefed this morning of the new leadership.
It was revealed in October that Pontin, who had been CEO of the Sydney business for nine years, would be stepping down.
All eyes have been on Clemenger Sydney to see who would replace Pontin, but Clemenger has opted to combine the roles into the one CEO position.
Clemenger Group executive chairman Robert Morgan says enhanced inter-agency cooperation will benefit the agency's skills base and minimise duplication.
“Nick has demonstrated great leadership in his time at both Colenso BBDO Auckland and Clemenger BBDO Melbourne. He gets the needs of the new age of advertising, he’s a hunter, is loved by his clients and is a magnet for talent. He is a passionate believer in the importance of creativity as our key differentiation," he says.
Earlier this year Clemenger overhauled its own leadership and promoted Gayle While to deputy CEO and Simon Lamplough to the role of managing director. It came as former long-standing managing director Paul McMillan exited to launch The Monkeys Melbourne office.
Clemenger Melbourne is known for its consistent strength and Garrett has led a strong year for the agency, which this year was named AdNews Agency of the Year and Cannes Lions Agency of the Year.
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