Clemenger Group's creative director at-large James McGrath steps down after more than 15 years.
Clemenger BBDO Wellington’s chief creative officer Brigid Alkema assumes the role of leading the Creative Council as chair of the Group’s Creative Council. Clemenger Group will also welcome Brigid to the board of Clemenger Group Limited.
Clemenger BBDO Melbourne, under James McGrath's creative leadership, was widely recognised for its creative excellence
Les Timar, Clemenger Group CEO,said: “We are excited to see Brigid’s creative leadership extend to the Group – she is highly respected by her peers, our clients and the industry, and will build on the important creative foundations laid by James McGrath.
“I would also like to acknowledge the immense contribution of James McGrath to Clemenger Group and Clemenger BBDO.
"His collaborative approach and understanding of the critical balance between creativity and effectiveness, has been at the centre of our work with the country’s leading brands and companies.”
Alkema was appointed executive creative director in 2015 before taking upon the role of chief creative officer of Clemenger BBDO Wellington in 2021.
In the same year, she became the first female from New Zealand to be appointed to the global BBDO Creative Board – reaffirming the agency’s and New Zealand’s standing in the creative world.
She will continue in her role at Clemenger BBDO Wellington while now supporting and mentoring the Group’s creative leadership across Australia and New Zealand, chairing a Creative Council which comprises chief creative officers and executive creative directors from around the Group’s agency network.
Alkema said: "The role, as I see it, is to ensure our creative culture continues to thrive – making sure our talent, our relationships, and the environments we operate in, are nurtured to create the space and energy for magic.
“James is one of the most elegant creative leaders and contemporary thinkers in our industry. With intelligence, integrity, depth, and precision he provoked greatness in the work and our people year after year.
"He has influenced me greatly. I’ll draw upon everything I’ve learned from him to carry the creative baton with care, flair and pride.”
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