Exclusive: Harricks set to depart CD gig at DDB to join Hennah as joint ECD at JWT Sydney

CB Exclusive – In a creative coup, JWT Sydney has lured Mark Harricks from DDB Sydney as joint executive creative director to work alongside current ECD Angus Hennah – effective mid February.

Harricks has been at DDB Sydney for nearly three years, joining as CD from Clemenger BBDO, Wellington, where he won a swag of top international awards.

Harricks is one of the most awarded creatives in Australasia – with Titanium, Integrated, Gold, Silver and Bronze Cannes Lions under his belt. He’s also one of the most respected, representing Australia on The One Show Jury and twice invited to be chairman of the AWARD TV and Cinema Jury.

Says Hennah (above right) with Harricks (above left): “Mark and I have always wanted to work as a team since our days in Wellington. I have tremendous respect for his skills as an art director and his unique ability to uncover unconventional ideas. He’s also one of the best blokes in advertising and has a real passion for the industry.”

Says Harricks: “When Gus approached me about the possibility of leading JWT creatively with him, I couldn’t resist. I have huge respect for Angus and share his goal of creating a culture where good work thrives. We both know it takes a lot of work to get this balance right and he’s already well on his way to achieving it. I also look forward to working closely with John and Penny, both have reputations for being dynamic business leaders, and that can only be good for the creative product.”

Adds JWT CEO John Gutteridge: “It’s unique to have a creative partnership come together for the first time in the top role. But when I met Mark and saw the rapport he and Angus have, I knew this could only lead to great things for JWT.”