AUCKLAND, Monday: All parties embroiled in Friday’s sensational events at DDB have managed to maintain their dignity amid a media frenzy that echoed around the adworld by lunchtime.
The leaks were flying – until Justin Mowday (then DDB Aotearoa group ceo) and CCO Damon Stapleton put an end to the speculation, confirming by email they were about to leave
DDB & Mango Aotearoa quickly recovered composure – avoiding the usual PR babble, with Mango senior account director Max Burt moving to confirm the news – and, in doing so, reminded us all of the power of DDB’s global resources to deal with such trauma.
Then, mid-afternoon, the release from Accenture Interactive put everything into place.
“Accenture Interactive will launch The Monkeys in New Zealand, appointing Justin Mowday as ceo and Damon Stapleton as chief creative officer,” said the release, sent out by Ben Craven at BlacklandPR NZ (a division of Ogilvy PR Sydney) – now identified as The Monkeys NZ ‘Lead’).
Mowday said: “Joining the Accenture Interactive team and launching The Monkeys is an opportunity I couldn’t refuse.
“Whilst we will miss the talented people and amazing clients we’ve had the privilege of working alongside at DDB, I look forward to helping charter an exciting new journey.”
“In Australia, the agency has a reputation for creating provocative, powerful and effective work and with the combined forces of Accenture Interactive; I believe we have a unique opportunity to bring something really exciting to New Zealand.
“The arrival of The Monkeys will also help clients further power their ability to deliver the best brand experiences that can only be offered by The Monkeys and Accenture Interactive.
“Whilst we will miss the very talented people and amazing clients we’ve had the privilege of working alongside at DDB, I look forward to working with Mark and the local team to help charter an exciting new journey into this creatively driven market.”
Stapleton: “Given the chance to be on the team that opens the doors of The Monkeys in New Zealand is something I had to say yes to.
“I’ve long admired the agency’s ability to create outstanding ideas that live well beyond advertising and go on to take their place in helping to shape Australian culture.
“Couple this with Accenture Interactive’s tech, digital and data capabilities, and you have a really enticing opportunity to make a true impact on New Zealand, a country well regarded as a source of inspiration for anyone creative.”
“Our expansion into NZ is an investment in our clients, our people and in our belief in the success of the model we’ve built.”
Ben Craven said: “Justin and Damon are known for their outstanding creativity and brand thinking. We are delighted that they have decided to launch The Monkeys and join Accenture Interactive as we expand our business within New Zealand.
“Accenture Interactive is recognised as the world’s largest digital agency and we are really excited about the potential of The Monkeys in bringing creativity to the entire brand experience.”
The Monkeys co-founder and group ceo (and Accenture Interactive ANZ lead), Sydney-based Mark Green said. “Our expansion into New Zealand is an investment in our clients, our people and in our belief in the success of the model we’ve built.
“We are excited to welcome Justin and Damon to the team and to take part in that journey with them.
“Together, they have produced some of the world’s most interesting work and have steered equally famous agencies working alongside impressive brands. We believe they are the perfect people to help us build a great business in New Zealand.
“The expansion comes on the heels of Accenture Interactive’s recognition as the world’s largest digital agency for the sixth year in a row as reported by leading trade publication Advertising Age.”
Accenture in New Zealand
Accenture is a leading professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Accenture New Zealand brings innovation to improve the way Kiwis work, play, live and grow. With a team of more than 400 of New Zealand’s best and brightest, Accenture brings a new perspective on growth to New Zealand’s leading organisations.
The Monkeys NZ
No website yet. NZ contact is Ben Craven …
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