The protracted City of Melbourne creative agency pitch has taken a fresh twist with the departure of Scott Chapman, the council’s commerce and marketing director.
It’s unclear whether Chapman left of his own accord, with Kathy Alexander, CEO of City of Melbourne, telling B&T Today: “Any personnel matter at the City of Melbourne is private and confidential.
“I thank (Chapman) for the contribution that he has made to the City and to the organisation and I wish him well for the future.”
Sources close to the pitch, however, claim that Chapman, who had held the position for nine years, had become frustrated at his lack of input into the long-running review, which was originally due to be resolved in December last year.
The pitch was re-started in January, provoking widespread anger among the five agencies believed to have been shortlisted for the account.
It’s understood that another five-strong shortlist has been drawn up, with a winner expected to be picked at a council meeting in August.
City of Melbourne’s Jenny Ford has been installed as acting commerce and marketing director, although Alexander denied that Chapman’s exit will further disrupt the review process.
“Mr Chapman was not involved in the review process, rather he was responsible for overseeing it,” she said.
“Acting arrangements have been put in place and the tender is still currently being assessed and remains confidential. Council will make the final decision on the advertising tender. It is not dependent on having another marketing director in place.”
George Patterson Y&R is the incumbent on the City of Melbourne account, which involves the promotion of Melbourne to visitors and businesses.
