George Patterson Y&R Melbourne promotes Matt Farrugia + Julian Bell to managing partner roles

GPY&R Melbourne has today announced a new leadership structure, promoting Matt Farrugia (near left) and Julian Bell (far left) to the roles of managing partners, reporting to Jason Buckley, regional COO Y&R Group.

The pair have been instrumental in transforming GPY&R’s integrated and digital output in recent years, evidenced in the agency being named the 2013 ADMA Agency of the Year, the AdNews’ Digital Agency of the Year, and with Y&R Group being recognised by BRW as one of Australia’s top 10 Most Innovative Companies.

Says Buckley: “We have aggressive goals for our Melbourne team and I know Matt and Julian are up for it. They are talented professionals whose skills complement one another and both share our belief in rewarding our talent by generating business growth.

“Both will lead but they have their specific remits. Matt will continue to lead digital and head up business development across the entire agency and Julian will continue to lead client services and shape our agency with our clients. Their combined experience and leadership will best deliver for our people and our clients.

“The appointments represent a continuation of our shift away from traditional and heavy agency structures, and our deliberate move towards a more dynamic offering for our clients. Both will continue to have direct client responsibilities.

“Today, as with all professional service organisations, agencies are best led and evolved by those who are delivering the service and solutions to our clients.

“The managing partners are surrounded by a talented team including recently promoted Evan Roberts who steps up to CD, Rob Jakovac – FD, Romanca Jasinski – EP and Mike Hyde – SD.”

Says Ben Coulson: GPY&R CCO: “Jason and I will work closely with the new leadership group. We are truly happy to give Matt, Julian and the team this opportunity as recognition of their talent and commitment. Together they will do great things.”

Says Farrugia: “I’m honored to have been asked by Jason and Ben to lead this iconic agency during such an exciting period. I’m also genuinely excited about the talented and diverse group of people at GPY&R. Our pipeline for 2014 shows strong signs of growth and opportunity as we look forward to announcing new client wins soon.”

Says Bell: “It’s equally humbling and exciting to now be leading this business. We’re a high performance agency that continues to evolve at pace. I can’t wait to take to the next stage.”

The appointments are effective from today.