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.
WPP’s John Steedman retires
John Steedman has retired as executive director of WPP AUNZ and from his executive roles as chief operating officer and executive chairman Media Investment Management. Steedman has had a 45-year career at the holding group, with roles across Australia and Asia Pacific.
Former Fairfax boss joins industry body
Greg Hywood has been appointed independent chairman for peak industry body Free TV Australia. Hywood was previously CEO of Fairfax Media from 2011 to 2018, overseeing its takeover by Nine Entertainment. In his role at the industry body, Hywood will work closely with CEO Bridget Fair on issues affecting the sector.
Carat fills two top roles
Lauren Small and Christ Ernst have been named managing directors of Carat's Sydney and Melbourne offices, respectively. Small joins the agency after spending the last nine years with the Publicis Groupe. She started with Starcom Mediavest in 2011 as client business manager and quickly rose up the ranks to become client services director. From Mediavest she moved to Spark Foundry, where she worked under Squillace, as general manager for just under three years. Ernst was previously head of Dentsu Queensland. During his first 12 months with the company he united the Dentsu offering in the state, including the re-integration of Amplifi into Carat and the connection of Carat, iProspect and Haystac in the market.
Mindshare global CEO ousted
Mindshare has reportedly fired its global CEO Nick Emery for a “clear breach” of the company’s code of conduct. Emery was one of the cofounders of the agency, which launched in 1997, and stepped into the role of global CEO in 2012. GroupM CEO Christian Juhl will assume the role of Mindshare interim CEO until Emery’s replacement is found.
Bastion Banjo nabs former BWM Dentsu talent
Former BWM Dentsu managing director Alex Carr has been appointed as managing partner of Bastion Banjo. Banjo founder and managing partner Andrew Varasdi is transitioning into the new role of executive chairman of Bastion Banjo after 12 years. In this role he will maintain a strategic relationship with existing clients and support Carr and existing partner and co-founder Ben Lyttle in driving the future direction of the agency. Carr most recently ran BWM Dentsu where he helped drive the creative reputation and subsequent growth of the agency.
BWM Dentsu Sydney boosts team
BWM Dentsu Sydney has bolstered its team with two new creatives. Alex Newman joins from Wunderman Thompson Melbourne, and Jonathon Shannon from R/GA Sydney. With two decades of combined advertising experience, Newman and Shannon have distilled travel memories into a fragrance for Cathay Pacific, turned New Zealand’s contactless payments into a nationwide rugby game for Mastercard, brought some uplifting optimism back to airlines for Virgin Australia, and turned Instagram’s cutest pets into adoption portals for Pet Rescue.
The Media Precinct adds key hire
Independent media agency The Media Precinct has continued its repositioning during COVID-19 with a key hire. Maddi Ventura joins The Media Precinct to take up the role of integrated media trader and brings experience gained across government clients including Taronga Zoo, TAFE and Transport and Customer Service Departments. Ventura will work across both planning and media buying. She follows paid social media manager Kate Farquharson and integrated media manager Mitchell Jansons, both hired in recent weeks.
Blended Digital appoints commercial director
Blended Digital has appointed Andrew Pink as commercial director. Pink joins the business from Camptoo and has held senior leadership positions at TruRating, Global Red, OgilvyOne and Y&R Wunderman.
Rumble creates property division
Brand and digital marketing strategist Meredith Ham has joined independent agency Rumble to head up its newly created, specialist property arm, Rumble Property Marketing (RPM). Ham has retail, commercial and residential property career spans over 20 years, with extensive experience at leading national and international groups, including Stockland, Lendlease, Peet Limited, JLL, ISPT and QIC. She has also partnered with local and state developers and builders to deliver success at all stages of the customer’s journey.
Ivanti names CMO
IT and security operations company Ivanti has named Melissa Puls as senior vice president and chief marketing officer. Puls brings decades of experience to Ivanti with a background in focusing on customer-centric approaches and integrating marketing strategies for acquired companies. In her new role, Puls will lead Ivanti’s global marketing function to drive expansion and adoption of the company’s enterprise software solutions globally.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.