Lendrum takes over from Fitch at JWT
Simon Lendrum has been appointed as the new managing director of JWT New Zealand taking over from Simon Fitch who has chosen to return home to Sydney after two and a half years in Auckland as MD.
Lendrum (left) spent nine years at BMP DDB London, before joining Ogilvy NZ in 2004. During his six years withOgilvy, most recently as general manager, Lendrum was primarilyresponsible for the agency’s brand clients including Sanitarium,RaboPlus and BP. He left Ogilvy at the end of 2009 and has beenconsulting to both clients and agencies alike.
Says Fitch: “I’ve had a wonderful time in New Zealand, but with my wifeand family remaining behind in Sydney, the monthly commute has takenits toll and it’s time for me to return home. I am delighted that SimonLendrum has chosen to join JWT. I believe he’ll be the perfect personto take the agency forward and importantly to work with the verytalented team that is JWT NZ, and who I’ll miss very much.”
SaysLendrum: “I chose the best summer in living memory to take a break fromfull- time involvement in the business, but along with the change inseasons came this great opportunity to return to agency life. JWT has agreat team in New Zealand and I’m looking forward to joining them anddoing great work together for our clients.”
Adds Noel Magnus,CEO, JWT Australia & New Zealand: “I’d like to thank Simon Fitchfor all his efforts during the past four years in our Sydney andAuckland offices. I wish him all the best for the future – and lookforward to bumping into him a little more often. Equally, I’m veryhappy to welcome Simon Lendrum on board. He has a terrific track recordat BMP and Ogilvy, so I know he’ll be a stunning addition to our team.His obvious determination and intellect will be a great asset to bothJWT and our clients”.
14 Comments
Nice work Lendrum. All the best.
Congratulations. But I think parachuting in overseas managers for shortish stints until something better pops up in the network does not do the local agency any favours – no matter how talented they are.
It needs a local, or someone who is committed to staying in the market if JWT is ever to bust out of its current tiny holding pattern. You can’t build relationships if you’re passsing through – and this guy’s cv doesn’t read like he’s here for 10 years.
@6.16 – word!
He just spent 5 years at Ogilvy. Which is like 10 years anywhere else. I think he might have some staying power.
Nice one Lendrum – best of luck.
6 years at Ogilvy.
Good work Pinky. Good luck. James
I know Lendrum very well – and he loves NZ. Enough said. A great move for him and JWT.
Well done Simon. Best of luck. Paul and Daniel.
Is he bluffing? He’s bluffing. Wait, he’s not bluffing.
Knew you had something up your sleeve.
Congrats
Best of fortune Si – if you can take that long at Ogilvy, JWT will be a stroll in the park
I stand corrected. Thanks all. If he is a stayer, then fantastic. He’s the third MD there in under 3 years and the place needs someone who’s there for the long term.
Best of luck.
Well done and I hope we are related?
Nice one Si. All the best mate.