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Multi award-winning creative lead Ben Coulson departs Y&R; replaced by McWhopper creative Josh Moore

The top creative for Y&R Group in Australia and New Zealand Ben Coulson has departed the agency and will be replaced by one of the people behind the McWhopper campaign, Mumbrella can reveal.

Coulson is one of the most awarded creatives in the Australian market, leading the agency group to dozens of international awards in his role as chief creative officer in ANZ.

Departed: Coulson

Departed: Coulson

He is replaced as chief creative officer by Y&R New Zealand’s CEO Josh Moore, one of the creatives behind one of the standout campaigns of the last two years, the McWhopper campaign for Burger King.

Coulson was promoted to the role in November 2012 having spent five years as executive creative director of the Melbourne office.

His departure comes with the Australian operations in a rebuilding phase under recently appointed CEO for ANZ Phil McDonald, after a turbulent few years and multiple leadership changes since Russel Howcroft left in 2012.

Y&R Group was the most awarded network in the Australia and New Zealand region this year at the Cannes Lions, with most of the metal coming from Y&R NZ’s McWhopper campaign.

Moore, who will continue in the CEO role, has taken the NZ agency to top of the creative agency rankings in that country and one of the most respected agencies in the world.

Prior to Y&R he was the founder of Us Sydney, now known as Joy Agency.

Tony Granger, chief creative officer of Y&R said: “Josh has tremendous creative courage. It goes without saying that he is wildly imaginative, but he is also extraordinarily smart about what will make consumers pay attention and what will motivate them to take action.

“That’s what makes him so effective and extraordinary.”

Phil McDonald, CEO of Y&R Group Australia & NZ added: “Josh has been a driving force in the growth and global reputation of our Y&R New Zealand agency.

“I’m excited to have him turn his creative attention to the entire region, and know that he will bring his energy and enthusiasm to our clients and our people alike.”

Phil McDonald and Josh Moore

Phil McDonald and Josh Moore

Moore said: “I have a personal mantra that I have been leading Y&R New Zealand with — Don’t Die Wondering. It’s emblazoned in neon across the agency’s reception area.

“This kind of thinking drives brave people to create brave work and attract brave clients. Creating experiences that engage people with brands is the job of advertising agencies. How we achieve this evolves every day, there is no formula. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues in Australia and the great clients that we have across the region.”

According to Y&R Coulson has left to pursue “other opportunities”.

Coulson’s name has been attached to award winning campaigns including Mobile Medic, Schweppes’ ‘Tumble’ and Melanoma Likes Me.

Tony Granger added: “I want to thank Ben, who leaves a legacy here of innovative and outstanding work. I am positive his next chapter will be worthy of his tremendous talent and we wish him well.”

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