Speculation is mounting that Y&R's Russel Howcroft is in talks with Network Ten about a senior role in Melbourne, but questions remain over his binding Y&R contract.
The industry is rife with talk about Howcroft discussing a Melbourne role with Ten, which could see him take up the post as boss of Ten Melbourne and general manager of the group.
While AdNews understands he has been in talks with Ten senior staffers, including chief executive James Warburton, nothing is set in stone as yet.
Questions remain around his contract with Y&R, and how watertight the agreement is.
While Howcroft recently moved to Sydney to oversee the Y&R's national operations, he is renowned as a Melbourne stalwart.
One Melbourne media buyer told AdNews: “This would make sense. In Melbourne you have Lewis Martin at Seven and Ian Patterson at Nine, but there is no face for Ten. Ten needs someone who knows the Melbourne market, and Russel knows the market.
“The question is, does he want to stay in Sydney and have a position with a national focus, or does he want to remain Melbourne-centric. Gruen Transfer gives him that national focus, but you would think if he went over to Ten, he would not be able to stay on that show.”
Ten's sales boss Mike Morrison is a former Y&R staffer. He was chief strategy officer at Y&R Brands until 2008.
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