Ross Berthinussen departs 72andSunny
72andSunny’s ANZ president Ross Berthinussen has announced he will depart the agency after six years.
Berthinussen has been with the agency since 2018, having joined a year after it established itself in Australia. Originally executive strategy director, he then stepped up to run the agency in 2021.
He is now returning to his native UK for 12 months, to train to be a leadership coach.
He played a key role in building the agency’s local momentum, with major clients including REA Group, MLC, Google, and BCF. More recently, the agency has been on a winning streak, with new business wins including Cadillac, Deputy, Princess Cruises, the AFL, and Big W.
Berthinussen’s leadership also led to several award wins for the agency, including the inaugural ARIA adland award in 2023.
Ross Berthinussen
“I’m super grateful for my time with 72andSunny,” he said in a release on Tuesday.
“I’ve learned so much and loved experiencing first hand the rocket fuel of running a creative company powered by a belief in optimism.”
Chris Kay, international president and former local boss of 72andSunny, described Berthinussen as a “strong driver” of the agency’s core values. He said he has been a key player in laying the foundations, and for that, “we have immense gratitude and respect”.
“He’s helped build something that is special, and we are excited to see him go onto his next life chapter. From everyone at 72andSunny, we wish him, and his family, all the best back in the UK,” Kay said.
The agency has appointed a new managing director and an executive strategy director to replace Berthinussen.
(L-R): Sophie Skyes, Alexandra Nel
Sophie Skyes will take on the managerial role, joining from Howatson and Co where she was client partner. She was one of Howatson’s first employees nearly five years ago. Prior to that, she held roles at R/GA and Chep.
Meanwhile, Alexandra Nel joins as ESD, from Telstra’s bespoke agency +61, where she was head of strategy. She previously held strategy director roles at TBWA Australia and Leo Australia.
The pair will work closely with chief creative Wez Hawes to lead the agency, doubling down on its ‘optimism’ proposition.
“I’m stoked to hand over to such an all-star team and can’t wait to see where Wez, Alex and Sophie take 72andSunny with our team of legends and wonderful client partners,” Berthinussen said.
Kay said the new leadership team are just what the agency needs to build its “next stage of cultural impact”.
“Modern Australia needs a new generation leadership team who are here to play to win, and Sophie, Alex, and Wez are exactly that and the future looks sunny,” he said.
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Lauren McNamara is the associate editor at Mumbrella, covering the agency beat. She joined in November 2022 as editorial assistant, after completing a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at UTS.
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topics
72andSunny
Alexandra Nel
appointment
Chris Kay
creative
Ross Berthinussen
Sophie Skyes
strategy
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