Adam Ferrier, Jim Ingram and Ben Couzens depart Cummins & Partners
Three of the most senior staff of one of Australia’s most respected independent agencies, Cummins & Partners, are to leave the agency to launch their own venture.
Global chief strategy director Adam Ferrier and joint ECDs Jim Ingram and Ben Couzen will all leave the agency, it announced this afternoon.
Ferrier joined the agency – then known as CumminsRoss, as chief creative officer in October 2013. Ingram and Couzens came on board in January 2014.
Agency founder Sean Cummins said he wished the trio well. He said: “I will look on with great pride and enthusiasm as their
journey unfolds.”
Last month, the agency’s Adelaide office merged with local agency Hybrid, with the new entity rebranding as CumminsHybrid.
Cummins & Partners, which is Mumbrella’s current agency of the year, wrapped up 2016 with the resignation from the Vodafone account – the biggest client of the agency’s Sydney operation. Last year also saw the agency close its Canadian operation.
Cummins & Partners clients include Jeep, CGU,John West, CSR Sugar and Specsavers.
Departure times for the trio are yet to be announced.
The announcement:
Independent agency Cummins&Partners today announced that alumni Adam Ferrier, Jim Ingram and Ben Couzens will be leaving the agency to start a new venture.
Sean Cummins said ”When the guys told me of their desire to do their own thing, I think they were a bit surprised by how positive I was for them. I have spent my career championing entrepreneurialism in this industry and I’m excited for anyone who has the audacity to create a new venture.”
“Our agency thrives on creativity and change, and I’ve always looked on with great pride as our alumni have started their own agencies, start-ups or even become artists or reality-TV celebs on MKR and Masterchef. And I will look on with great pride and enthusiasm as their journey unfolds too”.
Jim, Cuz and Adam said (almost in perfect unison) “We’ve loved every minute of our time here. It’s been a great journey with loads of success,and we’ve each learned a lot. We’ll miss the good energy that radiates from this place and wish the crew all the best”.
Chris Jeffares, CEO Cummins&Partners Australia said “We’ve made great campaigns and memories together, worked hard, played hard and had some fun times along the way. The agency had a very fast start over our first three years, and these guys have really helped keep up this momentum over the next three”.
“We are not looking to replace the trio as we have great depth in our existing ranks so the opportunities this creates is exciting for all of the team,” Jeffares added.
Departure times have not yet been announced.
Tim Burrowes founded Mumbrella in 2008. He worked on Mumbrella until 2021. At various points he was editor, content director and editor-at-large.
Linkedin
Great news for the industry. Look forward to seeing some outstanding work coming out of this outfit. Good luck lads!
User ID not verified.
Alumni? Wowee that’s taking puffery to the highest level. Never realised Cummins was an institute of higher learning.
User ID not verified.
Looks like this will be another independent agency – with clout.
User ID not verified.
What a gracious statement from Sean Cummins. Seems like a stellar guy (even though I’ve never met him). Kudos for encouraging people to get out there and do their thing.
User ID not verified.
Announced with great dignity and respect for the people, Sean, as I’d expect of you.
They’ll no doubt be missed, but no real damage anywhere. On the contrary, great opportunities for all concerned.
Good luck to all.
Robbo.
User ID not verified.
Alumni can also mean a former member of a group, company, or organisation… #justsayin.
User ID not verified.
In all seriousness though, what else *can* the bloke say? It’s also a good chance to PR oneself. Say something nice, whether it’s meant or not, and have the industry go, “Awwwww, nice guy!” Too cynical? Sorry!
User ID not verified.
@Cameron
Cynical you are. The bloke you mentioned has mentored more people hired more people than you will ever know. He is a genuine good guy. That’s why he is loved..and hated.
User ID not verified.
What other agencies have been built from ex c&p people. Appearing on MKR is hardly the same thing?????
User ID not verified.
very exciting move by Adam, Ben and Jim, and very cleverly and graciously handled announcement by all. Both much-needed wins for the industry.
User ID not verified.
Adam Jim Ben
Having worked with you as a Media agency partner and then as a a client I have no doubt you will be the next big thing. You guys are leaders in your field and I wish you every success. Thanks for all the great work you did for me at FCA (especially Jeep) – 42 campaigns in 2+ years with outstanding sales success – 42,000 cars sold in 2014. Be proud.
User ID not verified.
Good news. All C&P Melbourne clients are now officially up for grabs. Happy Hunting, it’s pitch time!
User ID not verified.
Amen to Paul Fishlock’s comments.
And if the new agency is considering addressing the gender imbalance in the industry, I’m waving not drowning (and on LinkedIn).
User ID not verified.
@just a question
C&P has been operating for 6 years. The other agency spawned from its alumni is Ways&Means.
User ID not verified.
Given advertising folk’s propensity for eponymous names I just hope that Adam, Jim and Ben don’t abbreviate – AdJibe would be such a shit name!
Seriously though, congratulations – you’ll kill it. And classy as always Sean.
User ID not verified.