Publicis Mojo Auckland shuts shop – Graeme Wills to start new agency Joy; ECD Lachie McPherson’s next move yet to be revealed

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Lachlan-McPherson-pic.jpgScreen shot 2012-12-21 at 11.07.05 AM.jpgUPDATED – The NZ industry is in shock today following news that Publicis Mojo New Zealand has ceased trading.

As a result, former Publicis Mojo shareholder and chairman Graeme Wills will start a new agency called Joy on January 1.

Wills (near left) will work on some projects with some of the senior Mojo crew, including ECD Lachie McPherson (far left), who CB believes is starting his own thing soon. Most of Mojo’s clients will join Joy, including Goodman Fielder, Hallenstein’s, Panasonic and Auckland City Mission.

In a statement to CB Wills said the opportunity for him to purchase Publicis Mojo NZ was tabled by Publicis late last year. However the sale did not proceed as anticipated.

Says Wills: “Publicis has indicated that it no longer requires an ongoing presence of Mojo in New Zealand, and has chosen voluntarily to appoint liquidators.

“Our intention would be that any clients from Mojo NZ that choose to join Joy would be able to do so seamlessly.

“We are excited at the idea of setting up a new communications company that is fresh, unencumbered and full of optimism.”