Australia’s leading independent media agency, Atomic 212°, has announced the resignation of national chief executive officer, Claire Fenner, effective 31 October.
Fenner joined Atomic 212° in 2014 as Media Director and later became Sydney’s General Manager. She was appointed Melbourne Managing Director in 2018 and National Chief Executive Officer in February 2023.
The appointment of the new national chief executive officer of Atomic 212° will be announced shortly.
“I’m sad to farewell Claire, but I respect her decision to step down and focus on other interests. In the almost 11 years she has been part of Atomic 212°, Claire has built an incredible team and done a remarkable job in producing strong results for our clients, developing our people and helping make us the most successful independent media agency in Australia,” said Atomic 212° chairman, Barry O’Brien OAM.
“It’s been a true pleasure to work with Claire over the years. She leaves Atomic 212° with everyone’s sincere thanks and all the very, very best wishes for the future”.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Claire for more than 10 years. She is an incredible, person partner and friend whose legacy is leaving us as the #1 indie,” said Atomic 212° chief data officer and partner, James Dixon.
“After an amazing 10 years at Atomic 212°, I’ve achieved so many goals and had so much success. I’m looking forward to having more time to focus on my family in my next adventure. It’s a decision that doesn’t come lightly, as I have come to consider many members of the Atomic 212° team family. We’ve had a phenomenal journey together and achieved unmatched success. I’m incredibly proud to be leaving Atomic 212° as the number one independent media agency,” said Fenner.
“Thank you to all the brilliant, talented people in the business and, in particular, the incredible senior leadership team who have all played an instrumental role in the success of Atomic 212° and the success of our client partnerships”.
“Thank you to our partners, our clients. We have been so fortunate to attract and work with such valued partners who truly understand what partnership is and are a pleasure to work with every day, working together towards a common goal. We have thrived off the success of your businesses,” she said.
“Thank you to the media partners who backed us and supported us in the early days and continue to support us to this day. You have been true partners and helped us drive meaningful outcomes for our clients”.
“Thank you to Rory Heffernan. We have had a lot of success together over the years and it’s been a pleasure to work alongside you and watch you grow as a leader. I’m grateful for our friendship and your support over the years,” Fenner said.
“I’m forever grateful for the incredible partnership that Barry, James and I have enjoyed over the past 10 years. It’s truly unique to find two business partners who you respect, can trust and consider friends. Thank you for an exceptional journey and all of your support over the years”.
“I wish all of you every success in the future, and I’m excited to see what the future brings for Atomic 212°.”
Fenner was named B&T’s #1 independent media agency leader in 2024. Under her leadership, Atomic 212° scored an eight on the B&T agency scorecards for its “winning combination of people, leadership and proprietary technology”.
Atomic 212° has grown strongly over the past year with a series of client wins and retentions, including BlueScope, Great Wall Motor, BMW Australia and New Zealand, Bupa, the Northern Territory Government, Tourism Northern Territory, Northern Territory Major Events Company, Darrell Lea, Victoria University, My Muscle Chef, Vet Partners, Adyen and UKG.
