Clive Bingwa takes MD position at Initiative Perth; Chris O’Keefe returns to UM as Melbourne MD

Initiative Australia has announced a shift in management for the agency’s operations in Perth, with current Perth managing director Chris O’Keefe (left) preparing to take the managing director role at Initiative’s sister agency UM in Melbourne.

Effective August 1st, Clive Bingwa (right) will take on additional responsibilities as managing director of Initiative Perth. Bingwa is managing director of IPG Mediabrands Perth and he will retain his Mediabrands responsibilities alongside his leadership of Initiative Perth.

Says Lee Leggett, CEO, Initiative Australia: “Chris O’Keefe has been an outstanding leader for our Perth agency during the past four years. He has evolved the agency’s skill sets to totally embrace the latest communications platforms. He has been highly successful in attracting new clients and latterly formed a close partnership with Clive Bingwa in introducing clients to the broader Mediabrands offering. Having worked closely with Chris, I know he will be a big success in his new role.”

Bingwa joined IPG Mediabrands Perth as MD in January this year. He had previously been a partner and national media director of 303Lowe, where he worked for almost 16 years.

Says Leggett: “Clive has become very familiar with the Initiative Perth operations through his close working relationship with Chris. There will be a seamless handover of duties and I am looking forward to working with Clive into the future.”

Chris O’Keefe is a long-term IPG Mediabrands executive. Prior to taking on the MD role at Initiative Perth, he was chief investment officer for UM Australia and prior to that he was managing director of Initiative Sydney.