Vodafone chief marketer Kim Clarke quits telco
Vodafone chief marketing officer Kim Clarke is leaving the telco after little more than two years in the role.
She will depart next month.
News of Clarke’s departure came as Vodafone confirmed it has shortlisted two agencies for its creative account, as revealed by Mumbrella in August.
Clarke, who became CMO in September 2012 during a turbulent period for vodafone, said in a statement she was proud of her achievements and said the business was back on track.
“Over the past two years I’ve been fortunate enough to be part of this business turnaround. We have achieved great leaps forward in our commercial results, the quality of the service we deliver to customers and most importantly in how our customers feel about us,” she said.
“I am really proud of what we have achieved and it’s been an absolute privilege to work with this team. I have great confidence Vodafone will continue this journey. However it is now time for me to leave to take on other challenges.”
It is unclear where Clarke is heading.
Her departure will leave all three major telcos without a CMO, with Telstra yet to name a replacement for Mark Buckman while Nathan Rosenberg is on the verge of leaving Optus.
Vodafone chief executive Iñaki Berroeta said: “Since joining Vodafone in 2012 Kim has been integral in restoring Vodafone’s reputation through the creation and marketing of a range of fantastic consumer products, including our market-leading $5 international roaming plans and awareness around Vodafone’s high-speed 4G network following its launch in June 2013.
“Kim’s passion and drive have been an inspiration to many who have worked with her and she leaves behind a great legacy and a fantastic team. I’d like to thank Kim for her significant contribution during her time with us and wish her all the very best for the future.”
During her time at Vodafone Clarke oversaw its ‘Kidults’ relaunch campaign which became one of the most complained about of 2013, with many people saying it sexualised children. The brand ditched Kidults in April.
Mumbrella revealed in August that McCann Melbourne and Cummins & Partners will contest Vodafone’s creative account.
Steve Jones
Two two’s:
“The telco declined to reveal the two shortlisted two agencies.”
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Not the turnaround story then: more of a cul du sac
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Big clean out, the only stable team is the Virgin crew. After their successes they can expect some calls.
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Always wonder if moves like this during a pitch process are in some way related to the power games being played out behind the scenes by the pitch agencies. I.E holding companies so desperate to win they go in over the top of marketing straight to the CEOs & Procurement heads, marginalising the marketing teams.
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