Josh Grace leaves Leo Burnett network after more than a decade
Grace
Former Leo Burnett Sydney chief operating officer Josh Grace has left his role as managing director of the agency’s outpost in Singapore, Mumbrella Asia has revealed.
The Australian left Leos in Sydney in September 2012 to lead the agency, and is set to take an as yet unspecified client-side role in Singapore, after more than a decade with the network.
Jarek Ziebinski, the regional boss of Leo Burnett, said in a statement: “Following 11 years at Leo Burnett in Singapore and earlier in Australia – where he made significant contribution towards the success story of the Sydney office – Josh has decided to move on from the agency life.
“Over the past two years in Singapore, Josh has helped to consolidate and structure the agency following a period of massive growth. He created stability and built a strong foundation and business base that will enable future growth for the agency. During this time, he also built a strong management team around him including general manager, Rebecca Ang and head of strategy, Nigel Tribe who will continue to lead and take the agency forward. I want to thank Josh for his hard work and passion for Leo Burnett and wish him the best in his next step.”
A Burnett loyalist, Grace, who was a member of the Australian sailing team at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, has worked for the company for more than a decade – first as group business director, then MD of the agency’s direct arm, before moving to work alongside CEO Todd Sampson as COO. Prior to that, he worked at Y&R in Australia among others.
Grace has worked for the Singapore office for a little longer than he said would be reasonable. In an interview with Mumbrella in October 2013, Grace said “Two years would be unfair – I would not be doing a service to the people who work for me. Anyone who knows me, knows that I’m very team focused. When I discussed the role with my boss, I thought it would not be fair for me to work on a fixed contract. My job is to set up the agency as a sustainable business and ensure there’s another generation coming through to one day take over.”
In the interview, Grace was also clear about the value of the Asian region. “I really believe Asia is the future – the centre of where everything important is going to happen in the world in the next 10-20 years,” he said.
“I moved here for my kids too. Australian kids need to understand the enormous change that’s going on, and that Asia is at the heart of it. We, as Australians, can get stuck on an island at the bottom of the Pacific. We’re connected in some ways, but in others we are unconnected. Asia gets more dynamic, interesting and influential day by day, and Australians need to get a grip on that reality.”
Grace’s move comes as Leo Burnett named new leadership in China, with client-side marketer Danny Mok taking over from Donald Chan at the top.
See the full story on Mumbrella Asia.
Robin Hicks
Best of luck in your new venture Josh!
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Joshie is an absolute legend.
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Joshie is an absolute professional and top guy all round. Couldn’t be happier for you and the family, best of luck with next chapter mat, you’ll kill it and see you soon.
JH
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good luck Josh
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Good luck Josh. Can’t wait to see what you do next mate!
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All the best Josh for your next role !
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