DDB Sydney’s Russ Mitchinson replaces Sudeep Gohil as APG chairman, Droga5 chief strategy officer Justin Graham in vice-chairman role

APG Australia has nominated DDB Sydney’s Russ Mitchinson (left) as APG chairman, taking over from outgoing chairman Sudeep Gohil, CEO of Droga5. Justin Graham, chief strategy officer of Droga5 will become APG’s vice-chairman.

Mitchinson has been on the Account Planning Group committee for over six years and has been a passionate advocate of the APG challenging the status quo within both the planning community and the broader industry,

Mitchinson will be focusing on driving a new vision and direction for the APG through continual idea leadership, constant innovation and the power of provocation.

Says Mitchinson: “I have a strong belief in our community of strategists; they can be siloed in their everyday work, so the diversity and vitality of the APG is critical for us gaining a new perspective. This will ensure we create bigger, better, more innovative and ultimately more unexpected thinking.

“I very much look forward to building on the strong platform created by Sudeep Gohil over the past few years. We’ll miss Sudeep’s focus, commitment and global reach, however I’m delighted to be ably assisted by Justin Graham, chief strategy officer of Droga5 as my vice-chairman.

“Justin’s passion for championing the role creative thinking can have on business issues is a key asset for the APG, as the group continues to gain traction in the wider business community.”

Gohill has been an integral part of the APG committee since he joined in 2007 and has been known for his leadership and passion in fulfilling the objectives of the group.

Margaret Zabel, CEO of the Communications Council recognised the achievements of the APG under Gohill, including a record breaking year for the APG awards, which saw the introduction of the Strategic Agency of the Year, the evolvement of the Battle of Big Thinking within the yearly Circus festival, the driving of the APG event program of Ideas Exchanges and the introduction of the Cannes evening.

Says Zabel: “Sudeep’s contribution is always relevant, valuable and original. Both in his role as chairman of the APG and as a board member of the Communications Council, his willingness to give back to our organisation and the industry is exceptional. We can’t really thank him enough.”

Gohill will continue in his role as director on the board of the Communications Council.

Mitchinson and Graham will be supported by the APG Committee.