JWT Sydney executive creative director Mark Harricks has announced he will leave the agency at the end of February.
In a statement Harricks, who has been with JWT for three years, said he leaves the agency “in good creative shape to pursue exciting new opportunities”.
John Gutteridge, CEO of JWT Australasia, said he was “saddened” by the resignation.
The agency, part of the STW Group, has found a replacement ECD but has not yet divulged who it is.
The full statement:
“Sydney: February 17, 2014 – JWT Sydney has announced the resignation of its ECD, Mark Harricks. Mark will leave the agency at the end of February.
John Gutteridge, CEO, JWT Australasia said he was saddened by the announcement, however wished Mark all the very best for his future endeavours.
“Mark is without doubt a truly brilliant guy; well liked and respected by colleagues, clients and industry peers,” said Gutteridge.
“Mark and I have been discussing his decision for some time, and although he will be missed, we have Mark and his team to thank for some of the most outstanding creative work recently put out by JWT Sydney. We thank him for his passionate commitment and wish him well for the future.”
“I've really enjoyed pulling together and leading one of the most talented and passionate group of creatives I've had the privilege to work with,” said Harricks. “I'm proud that the last three years have culminated in JWT Sydney producing our most creative work on our biggest brands and that the general standard of work has risen significantly.”
“I've had wonderful support from the JWT regional network, I'll deeply miss working with my APAC friends, they are a humble and talented group. I have also enjoyed working with the local JWT crew and I leave the agency in good creative shape to pursue exciting new opportunities,” Harricks continued.
Gutteridge confirmed that Harricks had assisted him in the search for a replacement ECD and although a new person has been appointed he was not in a position to announce details yet.
“I will work closely with Mark and his successor over the next few weeks, we look forward to making a formal announcement very soon,” he concluded.
JWT is part of STW Group, Australia’s leading marketing and communications services group.”
