Mediacom shakeup: Sydney MD departs, Westpac lead named new Maxus Sydney MD
Websdell
Clarke
GroupM media agency Mediacom is seeing a major shakeup in its senior ranks, Mumbrella can reveal.
Sydney MD Geoff Clarke is to depart after two years in the role and almost a decade with the agency while Katy Websdell, general manager and client lead on its biggest client Westpac, has been named as managing director of sister agency Maxus Sydney.
“Katy has done four fabulous years here and we are really happy that we can promote her,” Mark Pejic, CEO of Mediacom told Mumbrella. “Regretfully Geoff has resigned and he is going to another agency yet to be determined.
“I would say wholeheartedly I support Geoff and the decision he has made.”
The changes come just months after Mediacom faced a major controversy over misreporting of audiences and admitted to having overcharged a small number of clients for “value bank” inventory. Asked about whether it had any impact on the changes Peijc said: “It is in no way related to any of the misreporting of last year – in no way or manner.”
Speaking about Clarke’s role with the agency Pejic said: “(Geoff) has been a loyal and dedicated employee of Mediacom and the group for over a decade but he has decided it is time for a change.
“I am deeply sadden by his departure. He is a valued employee, and friend, I wish him all the best for the future.”
While on Websdell’s promotion he said: “I think it absolutely belies the group’s strength and the ability to move people from brand to brand and create opportunities.”
Maxus CEO Jonathan Chadwick said he was pleased with the appointment of a Sydney MD.
“It will be great to have a dedicated MD in the (Sydney) business to help manage things,” he said. “Katy is one of the rising stars of the group and so its great to keep rising talent like her. ”
Head of insights at Mediacom David Templeman is also departing the agency after seven years.
“David is going to work at a research company,” said Pejic. “That’s where his skill set is best suited and he has been with us for a number year and has chosen to take his career further into his speciality.”
No replacements have yet been named but Peijc said the appointments would be made in the coming weeks.
Nic Christensen
Congratulations Katy & Geoff!
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