Noel Magnus, JWT Australasia CEO to depart; John Gutteridge to take over the helm August 1

CB Exclusive:Noel Magnus (left), who, after two and a half years serving as JWTAustralasia CEO, will be leaving August 1, to be replaced by currentJWT Melbourne managing director, John Gutteridge (below left). Magnus assumed the post of CEO, JWT Australasia in January 2008.

Duringhis tenure, Magnus undertook a complete restructure of the agency,including the recent launch of JWT Property, placing JWT as the firstagency in Australasia to open up a dedicated property division;establishing full integration of digital capabilities across theoffices as well as a highly successful JV with Brand Activation companyEvocatif.

Magnus’ time also saw strong new business growth for the Australasianoperation, placing JWT firmly in the Top Ten new business performers.Among the many wins were the Smirnoff regional account, a host of Stateand Federal Government Departments and the addition of several majorJohnson & Johnson brands. The Australasian business also picked up10 Cannes Lions.

“Noel and I have been discussing his wish to move on for some time now,and have prepared for a succession,” said Michael Maedel, JWTPresident. “We are grateful for the very successful two and a halfyears he spent managing and rejuvenating the agency across Australasia.As we move ahead into a new era, I am delighted to announce that JohnGutteridge will take over the role of CEO, JWT Australasia to lead ouroperations across the market.”

Says Magnus: “It’s been a very busy and rewarding time for all of us atJWT Australasia and I’m very proud of what we have achieved together. Ifeel confident that I’m leaving the business in great shape and ingreat hands. I wish John all the best and I know he’ll build on all wehave created to date.”

Gutteridge joined JWT in 1999, where he worked in the London office forfour years. In 2003, he moved to JWT Melbourne and a year later took upthe role of Managing Director at JWT New Zealand. During this time, JWTNew Zealand almost tripled its revenue in two years and grew from ateam of eight to 35 strong. The office also saw the winning of theTourism New Zealand business as well as its first ever Cannes Lion.

Most recently, Gutteridge was managing director of JWT Melbourne whichhe has held since 2008. Under his leadership, the office’s clientportfolio doubled within 18 months, its offerings diversified byintroducing digital and retail capabilities and its creative profileincreased dramatically.

“John’s experience in managing a diverse portfolio across severalcategories and blue chip brands, as well as his deep understanding ofand history with JWT are essential to ensuring our offerings continueto benefit both our clients and the agency at large,” said Maedel.

On his new appointment, Gutteridge stated, “I am very excited to takeon this new challenge in a market for which I have such a strongaffinity. I have big ambitions for the agency here in ANZ. Togetherwith some brilliant talent we have established in the region, I have nodoubt we will build on JWT Australasia’s momentum and create a trulyoutstanding agency for the future.”

Gutteridge will be based in Sydney. A new managing director of JWTMelbourne has not yet been finalized and will be announced in duecourse.