One of Australia’s largest independent media, creative and brand agencies, Enigma, has appointed former Wunderman Thompson CEO John Gutteridge to the newly created role of national CEO.
Gutteridge, who also becomes an equity partner in Enigma, will work closely with Enigma founder and director, Lisa Sutton Gardner, to grow the agency’s services, capabilities, and clients across its Sydney, Newcastle, and Brisbane offices.
“John brings all the skills, experience, energy, and passion I have been rigorously searching for.” Sutton Gardner said.
Gutteridge began his career in London before moving to Australia where he became CEO of JWT Australia and NZ. In 2016 Gutteridge became CEO for JWT and Mirum APAC, bringing together the creative and digital services under one cohesive vision across 17 diverse markets.
In 2019, he returned to Australia to lead the merger between JWT and Wunderman across five offices in Australia and NZ. Gutteridge briefly left the industry to launch MAWDE, a direct-to-consumer, purpose driven ecommerce clothing brand that manufactures in Australia using sustainable materials.
Gutteridge said: “Meeting Lisa was serendipitous, I felt inspired at the prospect of returning to the industry for the right opportunity, and this is exactly that. Above all, it’s clear there’s a genuine ambition and commitment to take the business to another level and create a truly iconic and distinctive agency for the future.”
The appointment of Gutteridge follows Karl Bates joining Enigma this month in the newly created role of executive strategy director.
Another senior appointment will be announced shortly.
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