CHE Proximity makes MD Vanessa Nicol redundant to ‘protect the jobs of the wider agency’
CHE Proximity has made its Sydney managing director, Vanessa Nicol, and its incoming Melbourne MD redundant in an effort to protect the jobs of the wider agency.
CHEP said the move would enable it to as “best manage the changes in [its] client businesses”.
Nicol and the incoming Melbourne MD have been made redundant.
Nicol had been with the business since the start of last year, after moving across from Clemenger Group in New Zealand where she was managing partner for three years.
A managing director was due to start in the Melbourne office in the coming months, which has now been put on hold until 2021.
CEO Chris Howatson said that it was a “terribly tough decision” and noted that the responsibilities of the MD would be managed by himself and the wider management team.
“We made the difficult decision to make the managing director roles across CHEP redundant. Unfortunately Vanessa Nicol, who has been a key part of our family, team and business was part of that decision, and a person who was due to start in the coming months in our Melbourne hub is being delayed to January 2021,” Howatson said.
“It was a terribly tough decision, and one not reflective on individual performance, but made to protect the jobs of the wider agency as we best manage the changes in our client businesses.
“The role of the MD position will managed by myself with the support of the wider CHEP management group as we continue to support our clients with whatever they need to maintain their businesses throughout this time. We anticipate restoring the roles in 2021.
“As always, we support anyone who leaves our business in the most generous and caring ways possible.”
Prior to her role at Clemenger Group in New Zealand, Nicol was the head of Telstra at Omnicom-owned media agency OMD for two years.
She has also held roles at M&C Saatchi, Virgin Mobile and Optus.
CHE Proximity’s hunt for a Melbourne MD was triggered by the departure of Michael Titshall for R/GA in April last year.
Why has this been released to the public? This is terrible news for all involved, and just engenders (more) anxiety and fear in the industry.
Yeesh.
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Hi Anonymous,
This wasn’t a press release to the industry, rather another title published the news earlier in the week, and asked for comment. Since then it has been syndicated across the trade press.
I wanted to add a comment to their article to both reinforce Vanessa’s excellence and provide context to the situation.
It is indeed a difficult time, and we need to be caring with each other.
I hope that offers you more context,
Chris
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That’s integrity right there. These are difficult times people.
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Context appreciated from Chris, but regardless, it feels icky. Yes it’s noble for a leader to sacrifice themselves so others can live. But that’s not how this reads. It doesn’t read as Nicol’s decision.
Whether it’s a press release or simply news, this article celebrates someone’s personal loss because it potentially created a gain for others.
Come on Mumbrella, have some empathy.
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Hi Uncomfortable,
I agree with you that these things are indeed uncomfortable. We are in no way celebrating them.
We report on the state of the media, marketing and advertising industries, as well as the people, personalities and politics within them. We cover people’s appointments, movements and departures – and the reality of the market as it stands is that a lot of people are being stood down, losing their jobs, taking pay cuts or making sacrifices, either in a bid to protect jobs, or just because there is simply no other option.
Us reporting on these losses, both personal and professional, is not a celebration. It’s just our job.
We totally appreciate how difficult this is, which is partly why we attempted to unpack the implications, rights, responsibilities and options here:
https://mumbrella.com.au/from-pay-cuts-to-job-losses-how-the-industry-can-and-should-respond-to-a-pandemic-623091
You’re right to feel icky, but I’m not sure that should be directed at us.
Thanks,
Vivienne – Mumbrella