Senior management changes at Whybin\TBWA New Zealand announced
Whybin\TBWA New Zealand has announced major changes to its top-level management with the appointments of Todd McLeay as chief executive officer and Toby Talbot as chief creative officer.
Of the two appointments, Keith Smith, TBWA international president, said: “I am delighted that we have attracted two outstanding and proven performers. It’s a very exciting time for us and with Todd and Toby on board, we are well positioned to take our business to the next level in New Zealand.”
McLeay joins from APN New Zealand where he was responsible for APN’s local publishing and digital business, including the New Zealand Herald. Prior to that, he was CEO of NZ Lotteries.
Scott Whybin, founder and chairman of Whybin\TBWA Group commented: “McLeay has a reputation as one of the most customer-centric business leaders in New Zealand and has an excellent track record of growing businesses with creative marketing strategies.”
Talbot returns to Auckland, in what the agency describes as a creative coup, from Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe Y&R in London where he held the role of executive creative director.
TBWA’s worldwide creative director, John Hunt, added: “Toby is a world-renowned creative leader. He’s been a top ranked ECD in the world for the past decade. His personal award tally is scattered across every festival. He totally transformed DDB in Auckland, and I know he has ambitious plans for Whybin\TBWA. I think Toby and Todd are going to be a unique, winning combination.”
After 16 years with the agency David Walden is to leave his chief executive role and will assist McLeay with the handover. Andy Blood, who has been with the agency for nine years, will step down as executive creative director whilst helping Talbot transition into his new role.
Talbot and McLeay have previously worked together when McLeay was chief executive of NZ Lotteries and Talbot was ECD at DDB.
Walden will consult with the agency until the end of the year. Blood said he plans to “start afresh and explore new opportunities”.
Walden said: “Whybin/TBWA’s continued success is important to me and I know the agency will be in great hands with Toby and Todd.”