Grey Group chairman and chief executive Paul Gardner has resigned from the day-to-day operations of the Australian and New Zealand businesses.
Gardner will remain chairman until early next year but will step down from his chief executive post after almost two decades with the network.
He joined Grey Melbourne in 1992 as general manager and became group chairman in 1999. He has previously worked at Y&R Mattingly. Gardner was awarded an Order of Australia in 2008 for services to the arts and advertising industry.
A replacement for Gardner has not been announced. Gardner's future plans are currently unknown.
Gardner said: “Over the last few years, we have hired new leaders, formed new affiliations, rejuvenated our working environment and positioned ourselves more and more into the digital space. With such a strong team now in place, and continued success in terms of new business wins, financial returns and creative awards, it is important to continue that transition.”
Grey Asia Pacific chief executive, Nirvik Singh, said: “In many ways the name Grey in Australia is synonymous with Paul as he was there virtually right from the beginning. It is fantastic news that he has agreed to stay on and help us transition our business in Australia.
“With the team currently in place, Paul now feels it is time to move into the next phase of his career knowing that he has continued to set Grey on the right course. It is certainly not a farewell, but an opportunity to thank Paul for his efforts over many successful years as CEO. We wish him all the very best.”
Grey Group has offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra locally. In Melbourne, senior management include managing partner Luke Waldren and general manager Randal Glennon. JayGrey in Sydney is overseen by managing partner Paul Worboys and executive creative director Jay Furby. Also in Sydney, G2 is run by general manager Ed Commander and GHG by general manager Elly Price. Canberra is overseen by managing director Warren Apps.
Follow @AdNews on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.
Have something to say? Send us your comments using the form below or contact the writer at wenleima@yaffa.com.au
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.