Weber Shandwick and Jack Morton combine under consolidated leadership
Vinny Panchal has been appointed as managing director of both Jack Morton Australia and Weber Shandwick, as the agencies join forces, following the sale of both brands from The Interpublic Group (IPG) to Helen Graney earlier this year, in a management buy-out.
Panchal was previously manager of just Jack Morton Australia, and will now oversee both agencies, functioning as a collective, reporting in to Graney who takes on the title of CEO.
IPG is remaining a stakeholder in the business and Australian operations, will also continue to work with the regional and global network, allowing both brand to “have the best of both worlds – the agility and growth opportunities of a local agency with the backing of two of the world’s leading marketing services brands.”
Graney said that Panchal is the right person to lead the business into its new chapter.
“He is a brilliant strategic partner for our clients and a strong leader inspiring our talent to deliver award-winning work.”
Following his appointment, there will be a series of further hires, as both Weber Shandwick and Jack Morton Australia will function in unison, with a recent business win in furniture retail brand, Koala, a recent client win already.
Panchal said: “I’m so thrilled to be able to lead this agency. It’s the perfect role. I get to work with a talented group of people here in Australia with the support of two global brands who are at the top of their game.”
Graney also said that the new combined offering will enhance its services for clients, with “insightful, integrated storytelling delivered by committed lovers of creative, PR, experiences and content”.
“More importantly, I also believe what we are building will be attractive to future talent who relish the opportunity to influence the work and the workplace from the ground up.”
Graney had served as group managing director of Jack Morton since 2009 and started with the agency in 1999. In July of 2019, she was appointed to the same role at Weber Shandwick Australia in addition.
Ian Rumsby, chief strategy officer of Weber Shandwick Asia Pacific and chairman of the agency in Australia, stepped down from the business in July, 2020. He spent 19 years with the business.
The MBO earlier this year, came after similar deals were completed for Weber Shandwick in the Republic Of Ireland and Northern Ireland in 2020