Former Publicis MD Tim Parker joins digital services operator Gruden as CEO
Former ad agency chief Tim Parker has been named as CEO of technology agency Gruden in a move that will see the business push its digital offer further into creative services.
Parker left his role at Publicis Mojo in May last year and in a varied career has been chairman and MD of Porter Novelli in Sydney, an executive director of Clemenger group, CEO of Naked Communications, a former CEO of Sydney FC, and MD of FCB Sydney.
Gruden listed in the ASX in late May through a reverse takeover.
The company offers a range of fintech platforms and also operates subsidiaries Blackglass, which offers digital marketing strategy and tactics, and Mobileden, which builds cloud-based engagement and payment solutions.
Gruden also build the Federal Government’s tender platform and a faulty streetlight reporting tool for consumers for Ausgrid.
Gruden chairman Gary Castledine said the company was looking to build its profile and customer engagement, tapping into Parker’s experience working with some of the world’s leading brands.
“Tim is well known in the marketing and communications industry. He joins Gruden with over 30 years of international experience from world-leading agencies where he worked with many of the world’s best known brands,” Castledine said.
Parker told Mumbrella the company did not have a high profile and that part of his remit would be to bring its solutions to the attention of the market.
“Gruden’s profile is too low at the moment. I’d never heard of Gruden and I’ve made it my business to know who the independent players are in the digital tech space,” Parker said.
“We will also be partnering with more creative businesses who may not have all the tech skills they need to deliver great ideas, but who want a strong, independent tech partner to succeed. I want ‘Powered by Gruden’ to resonate.
Parker said that running a listed company would be a new challenge.
“All of my previous roles have had reporting and compliance responsibilities, but this time it’s the ASX and ASIC rather than a holding company. Plus I’ll be significantly more involved with investor relations as we introduce the investment community to the brilliance of our offer.”
