Russel Howcroft set to leave Y&R after two years as CEO
Russel Howcroft is set to vacate one of the most powerful jobs in Australian advertising, Mumbrella understands.
A brief is in market to replace the prominent executive and TV pundit, who is two years and two months into the role of CEO of Y&R Brands Australia and New Zealand. Speculation has been rife for some time that he is to take on a Melbourne-based role for Channel Ten.
Howcroft joined Y&R in 2010 after a decade at Brandhouse to run a stable of agencies that includes GPY&R and Ideaworks.
Howcroft has endured mixed fortunes during his time at the helm of Y&R, with iconic agency brand The Campaign Place closing, the Sydney office of GPY&R struggling and Patts’ office in Melbourne – Howcroft’s home town – the only brand to be really firing.
He also oversaw the Australian roll out of digital agency VML in February this year.
Howcroft was unavailable for comment, as was Y&R Brands regional president Matthew Godfrey.
Todd Sampson and him should create their own company. They would kill it with the profile they have, thanks to Gruen.
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Going to TEN? Surely he’s too smart to captain a sinking ship in
Melbourne?
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Russell ….hope you have your lifevest for the Good Ship Ten !
That said, a million bucks a year may just get you on board….I hear ?
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Agree with you Scoop, they would have clienets knocking down their door
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Is it just a coincidence that Sir Martin is in town? Me wonder.
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Timing is interesting. With Sir Martin Sorrell in town. Who is due to meet Lachlan Murdoch too…
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Russell is an all round good bloke with integrity, and passionate about the business. I wish him all the best and believe that he’ll do well at whatever he turns his hand to. I think it is great that Russell is doing something to evolve and challenge himself further.
All the best Russell.
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Congrats Russell. Best of luck.
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Great pic
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Did someone say Todd Sampson?
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Another step in the ongoing Howcroft brand building campaign. Indisputably Russel’s most successful campaign to date.
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Russell is Australia’s next Harold Mitchell. Just you watch
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Who was that super annoying Russel wannabe on Gruen Planet this week?
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Congratulations Russell, now if you do as others have said join with Todd you could have a very firey agency but almost with out a doubt very successful
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Those were the date George Patts. Miss those fun times…in George Street
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Was that photo shot when he was asked about joining TEN?
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Any one who could fix Y & R Mattingly after
Asche & Mineer destroyed it can fix 10 with both hands holding a wine glass.
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What will happen to the gruen franchise? Will there be a replacement to Russell? Will the gruen franchise move to Ten? This proves the industry is ever changing ever revolving!
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