CHE Proximity appoints David Klein as new executive CD taking over from Leon Wilson
David Klein has made the switch from a CD gig at Clemenger BBDO Melbourne to the ECD role at sister shop CHE Proximity – replacing Leon Wilson, who departs to pursue new interests..
During his 19 year career, Klein has worked in London and Australian agencies, creating award-winning work for clients, including Nestlé Peters Drumstick, SEEK, TAC, Toyota AFL, Nike, Solo and Amnesty International.
Klein was the inaugural ECD of BMF’s Melbourne operation and in August last year was appointed a CD at Clemenger BBDO, Melbourne, working on VB, Carlton Draught, Crown Lager, Nab and Tena.
Says James McGrath, creative chairman of Clemenger BBDO: “Dave is an evangelist of commercial creativity. He cares deeply about the business problem and is motivated to seek new and innovative ways to creatively solve problems for our clients. He is a wonderful manager of people and as a partner to Chris, will continue to drive CHE Proximity forward.”
Says Klein: “I’m really excited to be taking up the reins at CHE Proximity. I’m proud of the work I’ve done at Clemenger BBDO, Melbourne, and while it’s hard to leave the talented people there, I’m looking forward to this new adventure. To have the opportunity to contribute to the culture and success of CHE Proximity and make great things for all their clients, alongside Chris and everybody there, is a privilege.”
Says Howatson: ”During the last 18 months Leon’s work at CHE Proximity has been awarded at Spikes, Caples, Clios and Mobius. His contribution to the agency has both made the work better and been a significant factor behind the agency’s rapid growth. I’d like to personally thank Leon for his tireless efforts and wish him the very best in his next step.”
‘Alert Shirt’ for Foxtel was recently named the 4th most awarded direct campaign in the world by the Big Won report and the agency picked up B&T Direct Agency of the Year after winning B&T Victorian Agency of the year in 2013.
CHE Proximity has reported 12 months of significant growth on new and existing clients, including Mazda, iSelect, Cricket World Cup, Australian Super and GE.
Says Howatson: “We’ve also demonstrated a willingness to disrupt the classic agency model, with the establishment of our editorial unit, The Newsroom, Analytics team, and Technology team. A partnership with Google has also been announced this week, which will deliver priority support and access to CHE Proximity clients.”
17 Comments
http://www.campaignbrief.com/assets_c/2013/10/Chris%20Howatson%20and%20Leon%20Wilson%20-%20lo%20res-131936.html
Leon departs to pursue new interests, I call bullshit.
A seriously delightful young man, with talent to match. Good call, Harvie!
Well that’s an interesting move. Dave’s a nice guy, hopefully we don’t see a repeat of the BMF experiment.
congrats Dave – great call CHE
4 ECD’s in 3 years. Some places never change.
great gig for a great bloke – congratulations Dave
Congrats Davey!
Congrats Dave. Well done.
So good to have this bloke back in my life.
Great to see agencies make hiring decisions based on a career’s worth of merit. Personally, I don’t know David from a bar of soap, but I do know he’s been around long enough in successful agencies to know what he’s on about. Judging from his cv he’ll bring the right about of creativity to what has traditionally been a retail client heavy agency. I wouldn’t expect hear his name shouted from the rooftops at award shows in the next few years but you can safely assume CHE’s clients will appreciate having a seemingly decent bloke with strong creds overseeing their creative output. Congrats.
You sure have a lot to say for a person that doesn’t know another person for a bar of soap. Pull up your pants son, your briefs are showing….
I think you meant to say:
“he’ll bring the right ‘AMOUNT’ of creativity to what……”
and
I wouldn’t expect ‘TO’ hear his name…
If you’re going to go on a rant, at least re-read your vitriol.
Thanks.
Junior.
(Who doesn’t know you from a bar of soap, but know’s when people look stupid.)
knows*
Isn’t that the same reason they got Leon Wilson in the first place, plus Leon has better creds and that didn’t seem to make much difference to the joint.
Nice hire, CHE. Dave is a wonderful person who genuinely loves people. And he’s bloody good. There’s a reason that he was hand picked by James McGrath.
Here’s a game. Name a CD who’s left CHE in the last 10 years with their head high?