Mike Wilson, Naked Communications' ANZ chairman and co-founder of the Australian operation, has left the company. Wilson has confirmed his departure via email to AdNews.
Wilson's exit comes days after the agency was kicked off the Rudd election campaign after it emerged that it had tried to negotiate free advertising and politically-skewed editorial from three youth focused titles. See the brief that caused the trouble here.
Comms director Nick Kavanagh has already left the company. It is not yet clear whether there will be any further exits over the issue. Naked senior personnel were unavailable for comment, but the company issued a release this afternoon confirming Wilson's departure.
In a statement, he said: "After nine of the most amazing years of my life I'm leaving Naked. In the nine years we've had a number of achievements, winning a few Cannes Lions, several Agency of the Year awards, and loads of Effies.
"However, what I'm really most proud of is the culture we've created and the very talented group of people that make Naked what it is. I will leave with many fond memories of the good times, great work and business success we have created along the way."
Naked co-founder Adam Ferrier said: "Mike's a champion bloke, and will be missed immensely from the Naked family. He leaves with our full support. I'd also like to thank him for his hard work over the last nine years – he's helped build a brand that is admired by clients and competitors alike."
Ex-Clemenger Group executive director Tim Parker has been brought in to partner with the Naked management team of Ferrier, Melbourne MD Tom Ward and Sydney MD Karla Pritchard during the transition period while a replacement is found.
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