One thing for sure is that Australia’s greatest creative minds aren’t ones to hold tight until after Christmas before vacating a job, as yet another well-known executive creative director (ECD) has left his spot.
Gavin McLeod, who is a founding member of R/GA Sydney, is biding farewell to the business after four years.
He is one of many big industry hitters to leave a top agency of late. Early in November DDB Melbourne’s award-winning chief creative officer, Darren Spiller, revealed he was exiting the agency after spending more than five years at the shop. Some 10 days later Clemenger BBDO Sydney ECD Paul Nagy handed in his notice, with Y&R chief creative officer Ben Coulson named as his successor. Days after, M&C Saatchi chief creative officer Andy DiLallo announced he would depart the agency after less than two years - to spend more time with his family.
R/GA VP MD Rebecca Bezzina says: “Gav has decided to embark on a new challenge overseas in the New Year. He was a founding member of the R/GA Sydney team and has done an amazing job over the last four years in building the business.
“Gav goes with nothing but our warmest wishes, and leaves us in outstanding health with a fantastic client roster and a strong, vibrant creative department that’s in excellent hands.”
R/GA formally opened its doors in the Australian market, bringing on Rip Curl as a client to complement foundation partner Qantas, in 2013. Then Whybin TBWA creative director, McLeod was brought in as executive creative director and at the time said his mandate was very simple “Do interesting work that does great things for our clients”.
In August this year R/GA lured back Bezzina from Cummins&Partners as its new VP managing director after Jon Holloway exits suddenly.
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