MercerBell replaces agency co-founder David Bell with Vaughan Townsend as ECD
MercerBell has replaced outgoing co-founder and executive creative director David Bell with Vaughan Townsend.
Bell announced his departure from the agency last month, moving on to a new venture, creative collective Reo Surf.
Townsend will be replacing agency co-founder, David Bell, as ECD
Townsend joins from Ogilvy in London, after just under two years as creative director. He has worked at LIDA in London as associate creative director, TBWA London as creative director and creative lead at Tequila.
He has worked with brands including Land Rover, GSK, Ikea and Boots Chemists.
In his new role, Townsend will work closely with executive strategy and data director, Brad Bennett.
Townsend said of his appointment: “It’s an incredible honour to be asked to help write the second chapter in MercerBell’s history.
“I’m particularly excited by the creative opportunities a true data-driven and behavioural science approach can bring to an impressive client roster. Julie and Brad are a formidable team, and I couldn’t think of a better time to join.”
MercerBell CEO, Julie Dormand, said: “Vaughan’s appointment followed a global search for a creative leader who will drive a progressive creative agenda for MercerBell.
“Townsend will help build the MercerBell creative product, driving engaging experiences driven by data and behavioural science principles.”
Bennett added: “Vaughan’s experience gives him a strong fusion of CRM, CX and brand knowledge.
“He is passionate about the central role data and behavioural science plays, not just in CRM, but in broader advertising and his experience aligns strongly with our direction as an agency.”
Really? An import? Plenty of local talent who know the MercerBell brand very well and know the local market. Odd choice.
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So. Zero comments from the industry, and huge gaps between the lines on the MercerBell official press release about David Bell. Now a new non local ECD – as per above. So no one local will take over the role, and no one’s talking about the departure. Definitely smells fishy.
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Might want to fix the awkward typo: “In his new role, Bell will work closely with executive strategy and data director, Brad Bennett.”
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Thanks Awkward, this has been fixed.
Hannah – Mumbrella