CB Exclusive: GPY&R Sydney promotes CDs Bart Pawlak and David Joubert to joint-ECD roles

George Patterson Y&R, Sydney has promoted creative directors Bart Pawlak (right) and David Joubert (left) to the role of joint executive creative directors, finally filling the role left after the departure of Julian Watt in November last year.

Says Andrew Dowling, Y&R Group Sydney managing director: “Dave and Bart have been an integral part of the Sydney operation since joining forces in 2010. The guys have been highly influential in a string of new business successes, including recent NSW Government wins and the soon-to-be announced global campaign for Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project. Their creative approach and leadership style have made them favourites amongst the team and clients alike, making them a very valuable asset.”

Says Ben Coulson, CCO ANZ: “They are doing great things and showing genuine collaborative leadership in the Sydney business. They are hard working, humble and lead by example. And they are getting results. The vibe is great in Sydney right now, clients are stable and growing, the work is good and getting better with every new campaign.”

Said Pawlak and Joubert: “We’re absolutely honoured to be joining the leadership of such an iconic Australian brand, with such a rich heritage. We’re also excited to be working closely with Ben to usher in the next chapter for the Sydney office.”

Pawlak, who began his career at McCann-Erickson and is one of the longest-serving members of the Patts Y&R creative department, teamed up with Joubert who arrived from Hunt Lascaris Johannesburg via a stint at Leo Burnett Singapore and Vietnam and more recently as creative director of Y&R Brisbane.

The appointment is part of Y&R Group’s strategy of developing talent and promoting from within the business. It’s the last piece of the puzzle in the new Y&R Group creative structure, with Aden Hepburn continuing as creative director of VML and Tom Hoskins as CD of IdeaWorks.