Russel Howcroft resigns from Network Ten to join PwC
Network Ten has announced executive general manager for Melbourne, Russel Howcroft, has resigned and is set to leave the company on February 24.
Howcroft is set to join PwC in the newly-created role of chief creative officer and will also be a leader in the firm’s new CMO advisory practice.
Network Ten chief executive officer, Paul Anderson, said: “We are sad to announce Russel’s departure. He has made an important and valuable contribution to Ten, both in Melbourne and across the Network.
“As part of the executive leadership team, he played a key role in developing and executing the strategy that has led to Ten’s ratings and revenue revival.
“He was also one of the driving forces behind, and currently chairs, ThinkTV, the marketing and research group set up earlier this year to promote television’s scale and effectiveness for advertisers across all screens,” he said.
“Russel brought great commitment and passion to his role at Ten. He leaves with our sincere thanks and our very best wishes for his future endeavours.”
Howcroft said: “Paul Anderson, my management colleagues, the board and all the staff at Network Ten have made my time here highly enjoyable.
“We have had some great wins over the past four years and I am sure there will be more success stories from Ten in the coming months and years.”
In May, Howcroft joined industry body ThinkTV as chairman.
PwC CEO Luke Sayers said: “Russel is one of the most outstanding media, brand and marketing executives in this country so we are delighted he is joining PwC.
“Our new CMO Advisory practice has been created in response to client demand for independent, transparent and expert advice relating to all areas of marketing and brand strategy effectiveness.
“The marketing mix has become increasingly complex with the splintering of audiences via the rise of digital and social media.
“Many executive teams and boards are looking for independent advice on what is often a very sizeable investment into marketing and ensuring the spend is aligned to business strategy and delivering real value.
“Having experienced former CMOs and heads of agency working alongside our clients is a very exciting proposition.”
Sayers said PwC expected the business to grow quickly.
“This is not just testing the water; we see huge growth potential with our CMO Advisory business and will be looking at both strategic acquisitions as well as organic growth.”
The business will work closely with PwC’s existing Experience Consulting business, encompassing design, digital and creative services through The Difference, Experience Centre, and Creative Communications.
Commenting on his appointment Howcroft said, “If businesses are to achieve better than expected results, they need to harness the commercial power of creativity. Creativity in all its forms needs to be nurtured, promoted and championed.
“PwC have given me the opportunity to do this within an environment that we believe can truly make a difference. I am looking forward to working with the partners of PwC and their clients.”
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Paul Anderson’s comment that “Russel brought great commitment and passion to his role” was exactly my experience when I had the pleasure of working with him when he was Chairman of the AFA. Russel’s Gruen involvement is another example of what you see is what you get. Very best wishes Russel in your new role.
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I remember once hearing Russel take the piss out of creatives working at consultancies. How time have changed Russ!
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Will Russel be stepping down as the chief cheerleader for the TV industry – as clearly it will be impossible for him to offer the independent, transparent and expert advice relating to all areas of marketing and brand strategy effectiveness PwC is talking about in their release?
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Onya Russell
Macca
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Another “big name acquisition” by PwC. They’ve bought a lot of assets in the past that haven’t worked, got burnt, wrong people hires especially in the Sydney digital space. Question is how does he work with others, and has this been considered?
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PWC to buy Enero.
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