New management at The Red Agency as Neil Travers is replaced by James Wright
In: James Wright
Out: Neil Travers
The Red Agency has become the fourth PR agency in less than a week to announce new leadership.
In this case, James Wright is to move from the UK to become GM of the agency, which is part of Havas’ Euro RSCG Group.
At the time of publishing, the agency had not responded to Mumbrella’s inquiry about the status of CEO Neil Travers. Travers’ LinkedIn profile lists the 35 year PR industry veteran as having departed the agency in December although he is still listed on the agency website as CEO.
Wright’s appointment is just the latest of a string of management shakeups across Australia’s PR agencies in recent days. Since this time last week, the changes have included:
- Walter Jennings departing Omnicom’s Fleishman-Hillard and being replaced by Chris Newman, alongside the agency being put under the management of sister ad agency Whybin TBWA.
- WPP’s Hill & Knowlton saw its CEO Marcus Warner depart after just eight months in charge with Sue Cook appointed “acting MD”.
- And Acumen Republic has seen CEO Michael Dunlop make way for Karyn Arkel.
Wright’s appointment to The Red Agency was announced by Euro RSCG Group’s CEO Anthony Gregorio.
Wright was previously in the UK as MD of PR agency Grayling where he spent 11 years focusing on crisis management, digital, CSR and sustainability.
Gregorio said in the announcement: “James’ career is impressive. He has worked with blue chip clients across Europe and internationally conceived some of the most well-known campaigns that have had enormous impact for his clients. I am very happy he decided to move to Australia, and even more excited that he chose to join our group.”
Wright said: “The opportunity to move to a new market and head up The Red Agency was too good to turn down. We have some ambitious plans for the agency, the PR world is changing rapidly and we aim to be at the forefront of that, leading the way. I am very much looking forward to working with the highly talented team already with the agency to deliver on this.”
Wright is due to start at the end of April.
Update: A spokesman told Mumbrella: “Neil Travers – who was the founder of Red Agency – has stepped down. James will lead Red in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.”
Tim Burrowes founded Mumbrella in 2008. He worked on Mumbrella until 2021. At various points he was editor, content director and editor-at-large.
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Just for the record, in December 2010 my five-year earn out contract with EuroRSG ended. I decided it was time for an extended sabbatical working on something completely different. Am now based in Victoria’s picturesque South Gippsland region producing some excellent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. You can find us at http://www.waratahhills.com.au. Wish James and the Red crew every success. Neil Travers
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I used to work at Euro before and during the time The Red agency moved in.
Neil was a nice bloke and I wish him well with his wine..
it’s always good to have a change
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Neil is the consummate professional PR. I’ve know him since our journalism days and years later worked as a consultant to him in Adelaide almost 20 years ago (The MFP) and gave him a hand on a couple of his Sydmey clients before he sold to Euro. He’s a good friend as is Judy. I look forward to trying some of his (excellent) wine. (Hint, hint, Neil…)
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