Y&R NZ CEO Josh Moore to replace Ben Coulson as CCO of Y&R Australia and New Zealand
Following this morning’s CB exclusive news of Ben Coulson’s departure from Y&R Australia & New Zealand, it has just been announced that Josh Moore (right), current CEO of Y&R New Zealand and the creative leader behind this past year’s hugely successful McWhopper campaign, has been named the chief creative officer of both GPY&R Australia and Y&R New Zealand. He takes on this role in addition to his role as CEO of Y&R New Zealand.
Moore took over the helm of the media and creative agency Y&R NZ in 2011. It was the #7 agency in the NZ market. This year the agency ranked No.1 in APAC at the Cannes Lions and No.4 in the world. On top of that Y&R NZ won The Grandy at the Andys, 6 Yellow Pencils and most awarded agency at D&AD, Best In Show at NYF and a highly coveted Webby. Prior to Y&R he was the founder of Us Sydney, now known as JOY Agency.
Says Tony Granger, chief creative officer of Y&R: “Josh has tremendous creative courage. It goes without saying that he is wildly imaginative, but he is also extraordinarily smart about what will make consumers pay attention and what will motivate them to take action. That’s what makes him so effective and extraordinary.”
Says Phil McDonald (above, left), CEO, Y&R Group Australia & NZ: “Josh has been a driving force in the growth and global reputation of our Y&R New Zealand agency. I’m excited to have him turn his creative attention to the entire region, and know that he will bring his energy and enthusiasm to our clients and our people alike.”
Says Moore: “I have a personal mantra that I have been leading Y&R New Zealand with — Don’t Die Wondering. It’s emblazoned in neon across the agency’s reception area. This kind of thinking drives brave people to create brave work and attract brave clients. Creating experiences that engage people with brands is the job of advertising agencies. How we achieve this evolves every day, there is no formula. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues in Australia and the great clients that we have across the region.”
Moore succeeds Ben Coulson, who is leaving the agency to pursue other interests.
Says Granger: “I want to thank Ben, who leaves a legacy here of innovative and outstanding work. I am positive his next chapter will be worthy of his tremendous talent and we wish him well.”
4 Comments
Coulson checked out after Cannes this year and it’s taken Y&R this long to talk Josh into accepting the gig. It ain’t easy there in Oz, lots of ugly managers, and now part of WPP (Why Pay People) ANZ. Going to be very difficult to follow on from Coulson and that kind of success, but best of luck Josh.
The Hepburn effect.
An Auckland based Kiwi to look after all the Oz clients, that will work a treat (if the plan is to all loose your clients).
Despite your loose use of language, you have a point.
DDB Sydney are much worse for wear after a similar experiment.
Auckland leading Syd / Mel is like the mouse ruling the cat