Peter Biggs retires as CEO of Clemenger BBDO Melbourne
Clemenger BBDO Melbourne CEO Peter Biggs is retiring from the role after 15 years with the group
Biggs has been seen as an integral part of the agency’s success in recent years since taking on the role of managing director in 2006, but has today announced his intentions to retire to his native New Zealand.
Former CEO of Clems Sydney and current boss of Clemenger Group New Zealand Jim Moser is being brought in as chairman of the Melbourne group.
“Peter has always indicated that his long-term plan was to return to New Zealand to live. Now he has decided to make that move,” Clemenger Group chairman Robert Morgan said in a statement.
“Peter was managing director of our Wellington agency for seven years and did an outstanding job, helping to make us number one in the tough Wellington market.
“Then in 2006 he agreed to come to Clemenger BBDO Melbourne as managing director. For the last eight years we have gone from strength to strength in Melbourne. With his creative partner, James McGrath, and an outstanding management team, Clemenger BBDO Melbourne has built a global reputation as one of the best agencies in the world.
“Peter has played a central role in this success and we are extremely grateful for his contribution to the agency. Peter is a big personality and will be greatly missed, but we understand his desire to ‘go home’ to pursue the next stage of his life and his many other interests. He will consult to the agency until the end of the year.”
In the statement Biggs said: “It’s been a privilege to be part of the Clemenger BBDO network for 15 years. I’ve been given the chance to lead remarkable agencies in two of my favourite cities – Wellington and Melbourne – and to work with a group of extraordinarily talented people – and great clients – in both of those places.
“I’m proud to leave the Melbourne agency in terrific shape and I know that, under Jim’s, James’ and Paul’s leadership, the agency will get even better. I wish them every success.”
The rest of the leadership team at the agency will stay in place to run the agency with James McGrath, as creative chairman, Paul McMillan, as managing director alongside Moser as chairman, relocating to Melbourbe from new Zealand.
Morgan added: “Jim is a top ad guy and has overseen our businesses in New Zealand brilliantly over the last six years. He has also been part of the tremendous success achieved by our agencies in Auckland and Wellington. Prior to moving to New Zealand, Jim ran Clemenger BBDO in Sydney for eight years, having come from BBDO prior to that.
“Jim will divide his time between New Zealand and Melbourne. We look forward to introducing Jim Moser to you in mid-September, when these changes become effective.” Mr Morgan said.
Peter,
To see a great practitioner and in the nicest way I say this – a combatant – leave the industry makes me feel a little lost. A more charming, erudite and sophisticated man I can’t remember meeting. Holmes needed Moriarty. Salieri needed Mozart. And anyone who wanted to be any good needed Biggs. I enjoyed knowing you were there.
Age quod agis.
Sean Cummins
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A top bloke and a marvellous supporter of the arts. Hopefully we’ll see you around Circa Theatre even more frequently.
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I’m reading this like it’s Biggsy’s obituary.
One of the best leaders ever, knows how to guide a team with integrity and drive honesty.
Watch the accolades flow below…..
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I only worked at Clems Melbourne for a short time but met Biggsy on a number of occasions. A lovely guy… respectful, insightful and a practitioner of lead-by-example. Congratualtions on the enormous success you brought to Clems and enjoy a well-earned retirement.
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A day you’ve talked about for many a year, but I suspect none of us thought would actually ever come. Thank you for making all of our lives in advertising a better place with your gregarious spirit and sense of fun, your infectious optimism, your uninhibited authenticity, generosity of time, poetic flair and sharp intellect (of course not to forget the grammatical corrections, up-to-date contact list obsession, ‘stylish’ man badges, unsightly gym-wear to the office, endless lunches “to talk about yourself” and the “Darling, Darling, Darling”). Congrats on the news and all the best.
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Biggsy, you’ve played a brilliant innings. It has been a pleasure and privilege working with you. You will be sorely missed in Melbourne.
Steve Sinha
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A true Renaissance Man and font of knowledge.
Knowledge so generously shared with Melbourne grads who were privileged to sit at his feet and absorb the Wisdom of Biggsy.
That black t-shirt will be missed
Gawen
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While I haven’t had the privilege and pleasure of working with Biggsy, I can say that Jim Moser is top notch. Welcome back Jim.
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