Clemenger BBDO Sydney CEO Brent Kerby has resigned from the agency to pursue two independent ventures, AdNews can reveal.
Kerby joined Clemenger in February from BWM Isobar.
AdNews understands that the Clemenger leadership counteroffered his departure, but Kerby wanted to pursue his entrepreneurial goals outside of media.
With Dani Bassil starting as Clemenger Australia CEO in the new year, much of the agency's future is unknown. The Sydney CEO role may or may not be replaced, AdNews understands.
Bassil’s appointment follows Jim Gall’s decision to resign as CEO of Clemenger BBDO Melbourne Group, after more than a decade with the group across Australia and New Zealand.
Les Timar, CEO of Clemenger Group, said: "Brent joined Clemenger BBDO in February and developed strong relationships with key clients and team members during his time with the Agency.
"He also played an important role in the creation of the new Clemenger BBDO Australia model, bringing our Melbourne and Sydney agencies together to provide our clients with the best capability and expertise.
"Brent has agreed to finish in his role at the end of this year to provide continuity of leadership ahead of Dani Bassil’s imminent arrival as CEO of Clemenger BBDO Australia.
"Clemenger Group would like to thank Brent for his valued contribution to the Clemenger BBDO story and wishes him every success."
Kerby said: “I wish the Clemenger Group and the Clemenger BBDO team all the very best as the agency continues to evolve. After almost 20 years in great agencies, working with wonderful clients and talented teammates, I’m leaving to pursue two independent ventures.
"One is an Australian design business called Inartisan, focusing on art, furniture and interiors. The other is a joint venture with Australian technology company JanusKS, who through the platform Projectal are bringing AI to the operational management of creative businesses.
"I look forward to sharing more detail at the appropriate time.”
This announcement comes one month after Clemenger BBDO lost the Ford Motors creative account after four years, returning to WPP.
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