DDB Aotearoa NZ senior pair depart to The Monkeys
DDB Aotearoa New Zealand has announced the departure of group CEO Justin Mowday and chief creative officer Damon Stapleton.
Both Mowday and Stapleton have left to join The Monkeys, where they will be setting up a regional office in New Zealand, to be launched by Accenture Interactive.
Worldwide CEO and DDB NZ chairman, Marty O’Halloran said that the pair would be missed, after making a significant impact during their respective 11 and 7 year tenures.
Global CEO Marty O’Halloran
Commenting on the move, Mowday said: “Joining the Accenture Interactive team and launching The Monkeys is an opportunity I couldn’t refuse. In Australia, the agency has a reputation for creating provocative, powerful and effective work and with the combined forces of Accenture Interactive; I believe we have a unique opportunity to bring something really exciting to New Zealand.”
The Monkeys co-founder and Group CEO, and Accenture Interactive ANZ lead, Mark Green said: “Our expansion into New Zealand is an investment in our clients, our people and in our belief in the success of the model we’ve built.
Marty O’Halloran was appointed global CEO last year, after being promoted from his role as CEO and chairman of DDB Group Australia and New Zealand. He is currently in Auckland and said a global search for both positions has now begun.
“Naturally I am extremely disappointed that they have chosen to leave the best agency group in New Zealand, and one of the stars of our global network, but we have to accept that they want a new challenge,” said O’Halloran.
“I’d like to thank both Justin and Damon for their hard work, passion and creativity. We will miss them.”
Also commenting on his appointment, Stapleton said: “Given the chance to be on the team that opens the doors of The Monkeys in New Zealand is something I had to say yes to. I’ve long admired the agency’s ability to create outstanding ideas that live well beyond advertising and go on to take their place in helping to shape Australian culture. Couple this with Accenture Interactive’s tech, digital and data capabilities, and you have a really enticing opportunity to make a true impact on New Zealand, a country well regarded as a source of inspiration for anyone creative.”
Stapleton joined DDB NZ in 2014 from Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney, where he was executive creative director. Stapleton has held the role of chief creative officer since his arrival.
O’Halloran added: “This agency is built on strong foundations, with a hugely experienced leadership team and incredible staff. I have the utmost confidence that all 265 of them will continue to do what they do best – create amazing work that makes our clients famous.”
This article was updated with a response from The Monkeys after publishing.
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Calum Jaspan was news editor at Mumbrella, based in Melbourne. He was also the producer and host of the Mumbrellacast. He left Mumbrella in May 2023.
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