Che Proximity Appoints David Klein As New ECD

Che Proximity has announced David Klein will join the agency as executive creative director effective immediately.

During his 19 year career, Klein has worked in London and Australian agencies,

creating award-winning work for clients, including Nestlé Peters Drumstick, SEEK,

TAC, Toyota AFL, Nike, Solo and Amnesty International.

He was the inaugural ECD of BMF’s Melbourne operation and has, more

recently, worked at Clemenger BBDO, Melbourne on VB, Carlton Draught, Crown

Lager, Nab and Tena.

James McGrath, creative chairman of Clemenger BBDO, said of Klein’s appointment: ‘‘Dave is an

evangelist of commercial creativity. He cares deeply about the business problem

and is motivated to seek new and innovative ways to creatively solve problems

for our clients. He is a wonderful manager of people and as a partner to Chris, will

continue to drive CHE Proximity forward.’’

Klein said: ‘‘I’m really excited to be taking up the reins at CHE Proximity. I’m

proud of the work I’ve done at Clemenger BBDO, Melbourne, and while it’s hard to

leave the talented people there, I’m looking forward to this new adventure. To

have the opportunity to contribute to the culture and success of CHE Proximity

and make great things for all their clients, alongside Chris and everybody there, is

a privilege.’’

Klein replaces Leon Wilson who departs CHE Proximity to pursue new interests.

‘‘During the last 18 months Leon’s work at CHE Proximity has been awarded at

Spikes, Caples, Clios and Mobius. His contribution to the agency has both made

the work better and been a significant factor behind the agency’s rapid growth.

I’d like to personally thank Leon for his tireless efforts and wish him the very best

in his next step,’’ said Howatson.

‘Alert Shirt’ for Foxtel was recently named the fourth most awarded direct campaign

in the world by the Big Won report and the agency picked up the B&T Direct Agency

of the Year after winning B&T Victorian Agency of the year in 2013.

CHE Proximity has reported 12 months of significant growth on new and existing

clients, including Mazda, iSelect, Cricket World Cup, Australian Super and GE.

‘‘We’ve also demonstrated a willingness to disrupt the classic agency model, with

the establishment of our editorial unit, The Newsroom, Analytics team, and

Technology team.

‘‘A partnership with Google has also been announced this week, which will deliver

priority support and access to CHE Proximity clients,’’ added Howatson.