Aaron Achurch joins Myer as head of media
Aaron Achurch has left his role at WPP’s media agency Mindshare to become head of media at retailer Myer.
Achurch’s news comes at the same time as Gemma Hunter – from WPP stablemate Mediacom – moved back client-side to become Myer’s general manager of marketing.
Achurch starts on Tuesday
Achurch has worked with WPP’s other media agency Ikon across clients such as Diageo, Bankwest, Vodafone and the ARU. He also worked on the Lion account at Bohemia. In his most recent role at Mindshare, he worked with the IAG and Ikea accounts as client lead.
Mumbrella understands Mindshare is recruiting to replace Achurch.
Katie Rigg-Smith, Mindshare Australia’s CEO, wished him all the best.
“Aaron has been a big part of Mindshare driving our IAG and Ikea businesses and living our values of Team Work, Speed and Provocation. We’re sad to see him leave but it’s always satisfying to see people take on different challenges. We’re very excited for him in his new role on the client side at Myer. It’s a fantastic brand and we wish him every success there,” she said.
Achurch will now report to Myer’s chief customer officer, Geoff Ikin, who leads the key customer-facing functions of online, Myer One, marketing, advertising, public relations, social media, corporate affairs and communications.
Ikin said the new team would boost the brand’s marketing and communications capabilities.
“With the key appointments of Gemma and Aaron to these roles we are bolstering our marketing and communications capability. The experience that Gemma and Aaron will bring to these roles will be instrumental in delivering the work that is underway to re-engage with our customer, putting them firmly at the heart of all that we do,” he said.
Achurch added: ““I can’t wait to be part of the journey that Myer is on, and I believe there is enormous potential through their advertising and communications to show to the Australian community the positive changes that are underway with the addition of new brands, offers and experiences that you will only get at Myer.”
Myer’s media account has sat with WPP’s Ikon for almost a decade. Ikon recently restructured the account resulting in some redundancies. In July, WPP split the Myer account across agencies Ikon and Essence, saying it was an exciting time of change.
“Partnership and collaboration is at the core of what WPP AUNZ always offers its clients. Our clients demand the best team and resources available and we are confident the new Ikon and Essence partnership will deliver substantial benefits,” said John Steedman, interim AUNZ CEO of WPP.
It’s also been a period of transition and change for the Myer brand itself.
One year ago, there was a round of management redundancies, with marketing and customer executive general manager, Louise Pearson, departing.
Then in October, Tourism Australia’s general manager of global media, PR and social Ikin, joined the retailer as chief customer officer. The CCO role brought together Myer’s customer-facing functions including online, marketing and advertising.
And in March, Myer’s senior marketing manager Adam Jacka moved to 7-Eleven to become head of marketing communications.
Myer’s creative agency of record is Clemenger BBDO Melbourne.
Fantastic move by Myer, he’s the best in the business! #turnip
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A tremendous opportunity for both Aaron & Myer. Great hire Geoff.
A brilliant strategist, great leader. An adult in an industry populated by many still with their trading wheels on….
I predict he will follow the pattern that Brent has set at IAG, where agency people make tremendous clients.
Also happily great to have a pint or two with…
RG.
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Congratulations Aaron and well done Myer!
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Go with Grace, Bro.
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Congrats Churchie and an excellent hire for Myer
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Nice one Churchman. They are lucky to have you!
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Congrats Aaron
Incredible team at Myer with Geoff, Gemma and Aaron
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Australia’s most loved & experienced media professional. Great Hire G. Ikin.
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