F.Y.I.

VCCP names new executive creative director as managing director returns to UK in global role

David Kennedy Cosgrove, Managing Partner; Michele O’Neill, Strategy Director; Gary Dawson, Creative Partner; Suzie Roberts, Business Partner

(clockwise LtoR) David Kennedy Cosgrove, managing partner; Michele O’Neill, strategy director; Gary Dawson, creative partner; Suzie Roberts, business partner

VCCP managing director Peter Grenfell is to return to the UK to join the agency in a global role while the hunt for a new executive creative director has ended after a five months search with Gary Dawson of M&C Saatchi named new ECD.

Joint creative director Mark Harricks left the agency in December after less than a year, while the agency’s founding executive creative director Dean Hunt returned to Perth earlier this year.

At the time of the search, Grenfell told Mumbrella he was on no hurry to replace the executive role and wanted to take his time.

Managing partner David Kennedy-Cosgrove said the appointment of Dawson was an important step for the agency, which handles Compare the Market and ING Direct.

“We’re a challenger agency for challenger clients. Gary joining the agency is a sign of our ambition and commitment to offer clients more than just advertising,” Kennedy-Cosgrove said.

Prior to joining M&C Saatchi Dawson worked at WCRS London, Clemenger BBDO and Leo Burnett Sydney.

He said he had been an admirer of VCCP.

“I’ve enjoyed four very successful and unforgettable years at M&C Saatchi and have forged some great relationships, working with a bunch of very talented people,” Dawson said.

“But I’ve always been a big fan of VCCP and have followed the meteoric rise of their network from afar.”

Simon Canning

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