It's hard to keep up with all the latest moves across media, marketing and advertising, so we've made a list. Check out the biggest moves in adland this week.
Ex-CUB marketer Richard Oppy exits for global role
Carlton and United Breweries' (CUB) parent company, Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), has appointed Richard Oppy as global VP for global brands, including Corona, Stella Artois and Budweiser. Oppy started at CUB in 2001 as an assistant brand manager for VB and Carlton Mid and has since been promoted to multiple marketing roles within the business including CUB marketing director. During his time leading the marketing team, Oppy is credited with strengthening the business’ brands and a rebalancing of its portfolio, which has since driven topline growth. Currently AB InBev’s VP marketing, Asia Pacific South, Oppy will relocate to New York for the role, which sees him lead the worldwide marketing for some of the industry's biggest beer brands.
Marcel CEO Gavin Levinsohn exits
Marcel CEO Gavin Levinsohn has departed the Publicis-owned agency after three years within the holding company. Levinsohn's departure comes as David Nobay's role in the business is questioned by senior leaders in the industry. Publicis is adamant Nobay remains as Marcel creative chairman, however several sources tell AdNews he is tipped to exit for a new venture. Bernal, who has been with Marcel since its inception, is now tasked with rebuilding the reputation of Marcel following the loss of OPSM in December last year and the departure of ECD Scott Huebscher in March.
Ipsos appoints former Nielsen executive as CEO of South East Asia
Ipsos has appointed former Nielsen executive Suresh Ramalingam as CEO of South East Asia. Ramalingam brings two decades of experience at Nielsen in various leadership roles covering the Middle East and Africa, South East Asia, South Asia, Greater China, LATAM and Eastern European sectors. He will now be based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and report to Christophe Cambournac, CEO of AMEA (Asia, Middle East and Africa). Ramalingam will lead the South East Asia region to accelerate Ipsos's growth strategy and provide clients with solutions to address their business priorities.
OMD Melbourne announces Kyle Le Geyt as new head of digital
OMD has appointed Kyle Le Geyt as head of digital for OMD Melbourne where he will lead the digital offering across all OMD Melbourne clients. This move follows Sian Whitnall's promotion to chief digital officer of OMD Australia. Le Geyt joins OMD from Carat London and has held roles at Met Service, Yahoo New Zealand, and Forward 3D, in digital transformation efforts and the development of an inter-agency optimisation platform. Working out of Melbourne he will join the OMD Melbourne leadership team and report to Dianne Richardson.
Omnicom appoints Pink Media Group founder as head of OMG Diverse
Ben Mulcahy, founder of Pink Media Group, has joined Omnicom Media Group as national head of OMG Diverse. With his over 20 years industry experience and very own Pink Media Group connecting brands to Australian LGBT communities, Mulcahy has been appointed to revitalise the OMG Diverse offering. OMG Diverse helps brands in Australia to reach CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse), indigenous, and LGBT audiences, for a client list including Telstra, Qantas, Estee Lauder Companies, Bayer, and 7 Eleven. Mulcahy will be responsible for OMG Diverse growth across all relevant Omnicom clients and agencies.
Brother & Co. recruit international senior strategist
Brother & Co. has recruited Tharina Haas as senior strategist to bolster its strategy department. Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Haas brings international experience across the FMCG, Telcos and banking sectors. She is excited for the opportunity to take clients' businesses to the next level in their brands, communications and digital strategies. Brother & Co. co-founder Kurt Viertel notes that someone with her international credentials will contribute greatly to the agency's international growth period.
WPP AUNZ's Active Display Group outs CEO in company transformation
Active Display Group, owned by WPP AUNZ, has outed CEO Deane Hubball as part of an attempt to counter company losses. The business has declined in recent years with retailers including Myer and Revlon cutting back on in-store marketing spend. David Gittus, chairman of the company, will be stepping until a replacement is found. Gittus was director and CEO of Active Display Group for over 25 years and has continued his role as executive chairman. The decision to transition a new CEO is said to encourage a new direction for the company
Ogilby Brisbane's ECD steps down to pursue creative consultancy
Ogilvy Brisbane's ECD Phil Nobay has exited the agency to return to his consultancy, Philler. Nobay joined the agency in 2016 from his previous position as creative director at Publicis. A search for his replacement is underway and creative director Rob Morrison will step in for Nobay in the meantime. After two years at Ogilvy, Nobay is excited to focus on his creative consultancy that he launched in 2011 and leaves Ogilvy on good terms.
Charlie Murdoch moves to News Corp
NewsMediaWorks’ marketing director Charlie Murdoch has been appointed News Corp's general manager of trade marketing. He replaces Amanda McGregor who has been in the role since November last year. Murdoch has been at NewsMediaWorks, for almost five years, previously holding roles at Austereo and Ooh!Media. Following the departure of CMO Tony Phillips, both trade marketing and creative services team will report into managing director of national sales Lou Barrett.
American Express appoints new Australian MD
American Express has appointed Corrina Davison to replace Rachel Stocks as managing director of Australia and New Zealand. Rachel has been promoted to executive vice president. Davison, who has been with the company since 2001, has spent the last six years at the New York headquarters as vice president and head of US customer relations management for American Express Global Commercial Services. She will be returning to Australia for the role, and will now oversee local operations in marketing, acquisition, product development and partnerships for American Express Proprietary Card Services.
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