VMLY&R managing partner Jon Kenyon departs
VMLY&R Melbourne’s managing partner Jon Kenyon is leaving the business after almost four years, Mumbrella can reveal.
Kenyon confirmed the news to Mumbrella, commenting “I am leaving VMLY&R. I have an exciting announcement about what’s next coming soon”.
Jon Kenyon
Mumbrella understands today is Kenyon’s last day at the agency before being placed on gardening leave, and he will officially be leaving the agency in May.
Kenyon’s departure follows a leadership change taking place at the top of VMLY&R, with former CEO Jon Bird shifting into the role of executive chairman and Isobar’s managing director Thomas Tearle being named CEO.
Recent changes at the agency have also included fellow WPP AUNZ agency, Geometry, joining VMLY&R as a ‘creative commerce’ subset, and rebranding to VMLY&R Commerce.
Kenyon joined VMLY&R as senior project manager from Fox Sports Australia where he was senior digital producer. He was elevated to managing partner in February 2019 alongside Sarah Bailey.
Following Kenyon’s departure, Bailey will lead the agency as sole managing partner.
A VMLY&R spokesperson told Mumbrella: “Jon has been a great contributor to the agency over the last couple of years, and we wish him well in the next phase of his career. VMLY&R Melbourne goes from strength-to-strength and is in great hands with Sarah.”
Kenyon has previously held roles at Isobar and Big Red Communications Group.
VMLY&R’s client base is heavily government-focused and the agency is currently best known as the creative agency of record for Defence Force Recruiting. It is also the lead creative agency on Vodafone, following the disbandment of WPP AUNZ’s bespoke agency, Team Red, last year. Clients also include Crown Resorts, Monash University, Tabcorp, Terry White Chemmart, and Translink.
