Todd Sampson is stepping down as CEO of Leo Burnett Australia and moving into a non-executive chairman role, with current MD Peter Bosilkovski taking up the reigns as CEO of the Sydney office.
Long-standing CEO of Leo Burnett Melbourne, Melinda Geertz, will remain in her role running the Melbourne office.
Sampson, who spent nearly 12 years at Leo Burnett – eight as CEO – and is among Australia's most high profile admen, said he wants to focus on his other interests including the startup space.
“I have been the CEO of this company for eight years and it’s time for change,” Sampson said.
“I have always been open and clear about my succession plan. Establish two strong leaders and management teams in each office and then give them the space they need, and deserve to do their jobs.
“Peter Bosilkovski’s appointment as CEO of the Sydney office was the final piece in that puzzle.”
“As the non-executive chairman, my job now is to help mentor and support both Melinda and Peter as they bring to life their ambitions for Leo Burnett."
The news follows a recent announcement from Bosilkovski that the Sydney office would be rolling out a new structure for the agency's strategic offering, Connect Strategy, in what he called a “redefinition of the traditional strategy model”.
It also coincided with the network's 80th birthday.
Speaking of his new role, Bosilkovski said he was “exceptionally passionate about Leo Burnett, its future and our people, and the changes our industry is now facing.”
“Todd has been an incredible mentor to me and a friend for over six years and I appreciate the opportunity he has given me,” Bosilkovski said.
“I’m also glad this partnership will continue in his new role as a non-executive chairman.”
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