The links between BWM and its digital agency Sputnik in Melbourne have tightened as Sputnik’s managing director departs for Coles and Mark Watkin becomes MD of the BWM Group Melbourne.

Nick Lewis, the current managing director of Sputnik Melbourne, has left the digital communications agency to take on a new role with Coles.

Watkin, who was announced as BWM’s new Melbourne managing director in September, will now become MD of the BWM Group Melbourne.

He will now oversee the newly integrated client teams and the new single production hub. The agency is also searching for a new digital experience director for Melbourne.

Watkin took over as BWM MD after Carl Ratcliff departed the role after 18 months to join Naked Communications and move back to Sydney and join Naked Communications.

Paul Williams, BWM Group CEO, said: “We are continuing to evolve BWM and Sputnik around the core philosophy of Ideas That Get Australians Talking. Having a single BWM/ Sputnik production hub will bring together all the skills we have in the Group. We’ve also created cross-functional teams around our existing clients, bringing together the appropriate skills for briefs, strategy and creative execution.”

Williams also thanked Lewis, who was described in the announcement as “key architect” in the structural change.

“Nick has been a key player in developing the strategy to integrate the BWM and Sputnik agencies since we joined forces last year. We are very grateful to him for all his hard work.”

BWM acquired Sputnik at the end of 2012.