Adland is full of big moves at the moment. Here are the hires, promotions and exits that happened this week:
Tony Phillips takes CMO spot at News Corp
Former Coles and Woolies top marketer, Tony Phillips, has taken a full-time role as News Corp's CMO. Following his sudden exit from Woolworths in May 2015, after little more than a year into the role as its CMO, Phillips had been advising UM on its retail clients on a contract basis. His new permanent spot will see him report to News Corp managing director of metropolitan and regional newspapers, Damian Eales, effective 20 June.
In his new role, Phillips will be responsible for News Corp Australia’s national marketing initiatives and will work on the development and launch of new products and brands. Read more here.
Bauer's content arm boss exits
Eugene Varricchio will lead Bauer's customer content arm, BauerWorks, as executive general manager Niall Murphy decides to depart the business. Murphy is exiting the publishing business after nearly a decade of holding senior positions both in Australia and Hong Kong. Varricchio has been with Bauer Media for 16 years and will head up BauerWorks in addition to his current role as director of operations. Read more here.
Nine hires Deloitte director for lead innovation role
Nine Sales has appointed Nathan Birch to the role of director of innovation and transformation. Nine Sales boss Michael Stephenson says Birch’s hire shows the company’s commitment to adopting to the current climate of the industry. Birch was most recently responsible for development of digital strategy at Deloitte Digital. He was also held roles at GE, KPMG and Orange. Read more here.
Ogilvy makes senior creative hires
Ogilvy Sydney has made two senior creative hires, as it looks to further expand the skillset in its multi-discipline creative team. Michael Ford joins the team in the newly created role of creative director of technology, responsible for connecting creative ideas with technology. Ford moved from DT where he was a creative technologist, and has more than 14 years' experience in the industry. Read more here.
Kylie Watson-Wheeler appointed MD of Disney
The Walt Disney Company has announced the appointment of Kylie Watson-Wheeler as SVP and MD, effective immediately. Watson-Wheeler replaces Catherine Powell, who was relocated to France as President of Disneyland Resort Paris. In the role, Watson-Wheeler will lead Disney’s activities in Australia and New Zealand, including film, tv, digital, consumer products and home entertainment distribution and the management of the group’s TV channels.
Clemenger BBDO adds to creative department
Clemenger BBDO Sydney has bolstered its creative department with the appointment of Claire Sutton as an art director/designer for the craft department. Sutton has run her own successful illustration business for more than four years and as well as her own jewellery company. In addition, Chris Pearce has been promoted to head of copy after 33 years at Clemenger BBDO. He has been responsible for work including Hahn Bath Bomb and RTA's “pinkie” campaign.
Core names strategy director
Sydney independent, The Core Agency, has appointed Simon Rich as its strategy director. Rich is a highly experienced strategy director having worked in Australia and internationally across FMCG, financial, automotive and retail sectors. He joins The Core Agency after five years in the UK where he worked at agencies included M&C Saatchi, VCCP, JWT, Cheil Worldwide and Publicis.
Clemenger Melbourne expands senior leadership
Clemenger BBDO Melbourne has expanded its senior leadership with the appointment of two new group account directors, Deanne Constantine and Carol Macdonald. Constantine will head up the Mars account, including chocolate and pet food brands, while Macdonald will lead Mercedes Benz and Seek.
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