McCann Erickson Appoints New Management

17 August2005

McCann Erickson Appoints New Management

Auckland, August 17, 2005: Ad agency McCann Erickson is preparing for the arrival of two new management appointments announced this week by Glenda Wynyard, managing director of McCann Worldgroup New Zealand.

John McCarthy joins McCann Erickson as general manager of McCann Erickson, reporting to Wynyard. The agency will also see the arrival of Nic Harman as creative director, replacing current CD Matt Simpkins who leaves the agency this Friday.

"These new executive appointments are recognition of the potential of McCann Erickson in New Zealand," said Wynyard. "Everyone knows the pairing of the MD/CD relationship is key to agency success. With Nic and John, we have found what we believe to be the right formula to help our McCann Erickson clients build greater demand for their products and services."

Wynyard said McCarthy would take over the day to day running of the agency, a role that has been in the works for some time. Wynyard added that the agency MD role was necessary to drive the brand presence of McCann Erickson. "Obviously I have been looking for the right type of executive to carry this important role. John's the person and he is keen to add boutique flair to clients in the local market. It also allows me to focus the majority of my energy back into Universal McCann, the company I have successfully driven and evolved over a period of 9 years."

McCarthy was one of New Zealand's most successful and progressive agency leaders, having been a founder of breakthrough agency McCarthy Moon which was awarded NBR Agency of the Year for billings under $30 million in 2001. McCarthy Moon was a recognized front runner in making digital-based communications a success for clients, as well as establishing an Australian office on the back of wins like Telstra and Drake International. Since moving on from McCarthy Moon in 2001, McCarthy has worked on a consulting basis and been involved with the set up of a specialised digital POS company, Open Eye Displays, which is well entrenched in the New Zealand and USA markets.

Nic Harvey is an international creative talent. Currently working as a freelance copywriter, he is a former senior creative and creative director with George Patterson Partners, TBWA Dublin, and De Pasquale Advertising in Brisbane. His client experience has included work for Telstra, Nissan, Carlton Hotels, Nivea, Sony and Elastoplast. He has won awards from forums such as The One Show, Brisbane Art Director Awards and AWARD.

"Obviously McCann Erickson is stepping up a few gears," said Wynyard. "The agency group is currently Asia Pacific's leading new business winner. We need a good helping of this success in New Zealand and that is what this pairing is designed to do."

ENDS

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