Chris Savage quits STW Communications
One of the most respected names in the advertising industry Chris Savage has resigned after six years as chief operating officer of STW Communications to take a career break.
Savage was appointed COO of STW in August 2008 following nearly eight years as the CEO of Ogilvy PR Australia, and had previously spent 15 years with Burson-Marsteller and six years running his own agency.
Mike Connaghan, STW CEO, said there were no immediate plans to replace Savage, with STW undertaking a strategic review of its operations.
He added: “The chief operating officer role at STW was created specifically for Chris. He has thrived in the COO role and has helped me and the group create a better company.
“I respect his desire to move to a new phase in his career, but also believe that with change comes opportunity. He leaves with our appreciation and best wishes.”
Savage added: “Change is healthy and this decision will ensure I keep growing. While I look forward to the break, it is with a heavy heart that I conclude a privileged chapter in my career.
“I am grateful to STW chief executive Mike Connaghan for the opportunity. I have loved this role, learnt a lot, am proud of the contribution I have made and am indebted to many STW colleagues for their support. I leave with great affection and respect for STW and its people.”
On STW’s strategic review Connaghan said: “The outcome of our strategic review will dictate not only the makeup of the STW senior team but also our focus on a number of key initiatives. We look forward to sharing more details in the future.”
STW Group comprises over 75 companies including Ogilvy, JWT, Ikon, The White Agency and Tongue.
The announcement comes ahead of STW’s financial results announcement on Friday.
Miranda Ward
Miranda Ward worked for Mumbrella from 2013 to 2017, eventually becoming deputy editor. Miranda joined Mumbrella in September 2013 from Sky News.
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The timing is interesting…….
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I’ll miss those blog posts
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Stevo he hasn’t died – I am sure he will still blog, esp with all the extra time on his hands whilst being on career break.
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he’s off to wrestle possums?
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Seems he’s now running his own plastering business;
http://www.chrissavage.com.au/
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@Stevo – media is on an irreversible decline. margins squeezed too much. Plastering is the new black.
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Who is going to be “the oldest guy in the room” now?
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Yes that’s correct Henry – I believe STW is looking to diversify heavily into plastering so maybe Chris will be back in the fold sooner than we think.
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He’s a good guy and it’s amazing he stayed in a corporate role for as long as he did. It was always a precarious position, being an overhead in a spaghetti holding company
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