Accenture Interactive has announced the opening of The Monkeys in New Zealand with the appointment of Justin Mowday and Damon Stapleton.
Involved in some of New Zealand’s most awarded campaigns, Mowday joins after leaving his role as group CEO of DDB New Zealand, where he was responsible for overseeing a staff of 270 and a client roster including some of the country’s most revered brands.
His 10-plus year tenure at DDB NZ generated first class work and numerous industry accolades which saw DDB NZ transition from a leading Kiwi agency to one ranked in the top five most effective agencies worldwide by The Global Effie Effectiveness Index.
“Joining the Accenture Interactive team and launching The Monkeys is an opportunity I couldn’t refuse," Monday says.
"In Australia, the agency has a reputation for creating provocative, powerful and effective work and with the combined forces of Accenture Interactive; I believe we have a unique opportunity to bring something really exciting to New Zealand.
“The arrival of The Monkeys will also help clients further power their ability to deliver the best brand experiences that can only be offered by The Monkeys and Accenture Interactive. Whilst we will miss the very talented people and amazing clients we’ve had the privilege of working alongside at DDB, I look forward to working with Mark (Green) and the local team to help charter an exciting new journey into this creatively driven market.”
Well known for his Trillion Dollar bill campaign for The Zimbabwean and Penny the Pirate for OPSM, which have won over 200 international awards between them, Damon Stapleton joins Accenture Interactive and The Monkeys from his previous role as regional chief creative officer for DDB New Zealand and Australia.
He was formerly chief creative officer of DDB NZ leading the agency to win 17 Agency of the Year titles.
In 2020, DDB NZ won Creative Agency of the Year at Axis in New Zealand and Creative Agency of the Year at AWARD in Australia.
"Given the chance to be on the team that opens the doors of The Monkeys in New Zealand is something I had to say yes to," Stapleton says.
"I’ve long admired the agency’s ability to create outstanding ideas that live well beyond advertising and go on to take their place in helping to shape Australian culture.
"Couple this with Accenture Interactive’s tech, digital and data capabilities, and you have a really enticing opportunity to make a true impact on New Zealand, a country well regarded as a source of inspiration for anyone creative.”
The Monkeys co-founder and group CEO, and Accenture Interactive ANZ lead, Mark Green says the move was part the agency's investment in its clients, people and beliefs.
“We are excited to welcome Justin and Damon to the team and to take part in that journey with them. Together, they have produced some of the world’s most interesting work and have steered equally famous agencies working alongside impressive brands," Green says.
"We believe they are the perfect people to help us build a great business in New Zealand.”
Mowday and Stapleton are the latest DDB alumni to join The Monkeys with Tara Ford recently named as chief creative officer of the Australian office.
DDB Worldwide CEO and DDB Aotearoa NZ chairman, Marty O’Halloran says the pair have made a strong impact on the agency during their 11 and seven year tenures respectively.
"Naturally I am extremely disappointed that they have chosen to leave the best agency group in New Zealand, and one of the stars of our global network, but we have to accept that they want a new challenge," O'Halloran says.
“I’d like to thank both Justin and Damon for their hard work, passion and creativity. We will miss them.”
“This agency is built on strong foundations, with a hugely experienced leadership team and incredible staff. I have the utmost confidence that all 265 of them will continue to do what they do best – create amazing work that makes our clients famous.
A global search has begun for both roles and O’Halloran, who is currently in Auckland, says there are "several options in our global network".
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