MACDONNELL SET TO RETIRE, MOSER TO ASSUME CEO ROLE OF CLEMENGER GROUP AND CHAIRMAN OF COLENSO BBDO

Roger MacDonnell (above) will step down from the leadership of Colenso BBDO and Clemenger Group New Zealand after 40 years at the helm at the end of this year. He will continue in a part time capacity and remain a Director of Clemenger Group Ltd.

Taking over from MacDonnell and assuming the role of CEO Clemenger Group New Zealand and Chairman of Colenso BBDO, effective January 1, 2009, will be Jim Moser who is currently managing director of Clemenger BBDO Sydney.

MacDonnell has enjoyed a magnificent career with the Clemenger Group dating back to 1969 when he co-founded Colenso. Colenso quickly became one of New Zealand’s top agencies and has since assumed the mantle of New Zealand’s No 1 home grown iconic agency brand.

Colenso BBDO has consistently been rated as New Zealand’s most creative (Campaign Brief) and New Zealand’s most effective (Effie Awards) advertising agency.

MacDonnell’s achievements are numerous, he has been one of the most important and influential Industry figures in New Zealand. His personal achievements include: Advertising Professional of the Year in 1995 and 2004 and Member Clio Copywriters Hall of Fame New York. He is also a Trustee of the Auckland Festival.

“The success of Colenso has to a very large extent been built by Roger MacDonnell. His inspiration and passion for creativity and sheer drive has been the single most important ingredient to Colenso’s success,” said Robert Morgan, executive chairman of the Clemenger Group .

“That Jim’s succession can take place so seamlessly demonstrates the Clemenger Group’s commitment to the development and promotion of the best people in our industry. That we do not have to go outside for such important appointments is proof of that.”

Jim Moser (left) joined Clemenger BBDO Sydney as managing director in 2000 after already proving himself as an excellent agency MD for BBDO in Europe. During his time at Clemenger BBDO Sydney Jim has created a wonderful culture during the most successful period of the agency’s history. Amongst many accolades the agency has received under Moser’s leadership is winning more AFA Effectiveness Awards than any other agency in Australia for the past decade, winning agency of the Year from B&T in December 2004 and winning Adnews Campaign of the Year for RTA this year.

“This is a well deserved promotion for Jim who has proven himself as an excellent leader during his career with Clemenger BBDO over the last nine years in Sydney. Our business in New Zealand goes from strength to strength and I am certain that this will continue long into the future under Jim’s leadership,” said Morgan.

Andy Pontin will be taking over from Jim Moser as managing director of Clemenger BBDO Sydney effective August 1, 2008 and will continue to have responsibility for Clemenger Proximity in Sydney