Callum Mackenzie and Simon Stewart.
Perth independent agency Rare has appointed Simon Stewart managing director as co-founder Callum Mackenzie transitions to the newly created role of executive chair, marking the next stage of leadership at the 21-year-old agency.
Stewart has been with Rare for 13 years, leading client and commercial growth across government, commercial and not-for-profit sectors.
He was unanimously nominated for the role by Rare's six-partner ownership group, all of whom have been with the agency for more than a decade.
Mackenzie will focus on agency growth, key industry relationships and mentoring Stewart through the transition. He will also continue as a director of Advertising Council Australia, now representing both Western Australia and South Australia.
Mackenzie said the move was a growth plan rather than a succession plan.
"We have exceptional people, exceptional clients and the broadest capability we have ever offered. More importantly, we have built a leadership team that gives me enormous confidence in Rare's future," he said.
"21 years ago we set out to build an agency. Looking back, I realise what we have really built is a team of extraordinary people. One day you realise your job is no longer to lead everything. It is to help others lead."
Stewart said Rare had never stood still, and that was what had kept him engaged and excited throughout his time at the agency.
"As I step into this role, I'm excited to build on the momentum we have created together across government, commercial and not-for-profit clients," he said.
"My role is to bring together the very best of Rare across strategy, CX, creative, media, technology, production and client leadership, so we can continue to grow alongside our clients."
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