Whybin\TBWA New Zealand has revealed what it describes as a new “dream leadership team” following the departure of long-standing leaders, David Walden and Andy Blood.

After 16 years with the agency, Walden will now hand over the chief executive role to Todd McLeay, who was most recently the chief operating officer of APN New Zealand.

Blood, who has been the with agency for nearly nine years, will step down as executive creative director and help Toby Talbot transition into his new role as chief creative officer.

Talbot (pictured right) returns to Auckland from Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe Y&R London where he was executive creative director.

Talbot and McLeay (pictured left) have previously worked together when McLeay was chief executive of NZ Lotteries and Talbot was ECD at DDB.

Keith Smith, international president of TBWA, said: “This unique partnership is a blueprint for a new order of how we run our agencies in this rapidly changing world.”

On Talbot’s appointment TBWA’s Worldwide creative director, John Hunt, said: “He’s been a top ranked ECD in the world for the past decade. His personal award tally is scattered across every festival. He totally transformed DDB in Auckland, and I know he has ambitious plans for Whybin\TBWA.”

“I think Toby and Todd are going to be a unique, winning combination.”

Walden will consult with the agency until the end of the year. Blood said he plans to “start afresh and explore new opportunities”.

Walden said: “Whybin/TBWA’s continued success is important to me and I know the agency will be in great hands with Toby and Todd.”