One of Australia’s most experienced digital leaders, Ben Kidney, is joining Clemenger BBDO Melbourne as Director of Digital.
Kidney is moving across from his role as head of digital at Ogilvy & Mather. Prior to joining Ogilvy, Kidney was executive producer at R/GA New York where he ran Nike, responsible for all aspects of the account including digital production for global Golf, North American Football and Men’s Athletic Training.
Kidney’s role also encompassed creating and maintaining digital platforms, maximising Nike’s impact in key sporting moments, major product launches and events.
In addition to Nike, Kidney has created digital experiences and campaigns for some of the world’s largest brands including Google, YouTube and locally, AAMI Insurance, Telstra and Westpac Bank.
Clemenger BBDO Melbourne CEO Nick Garrett said the agency undertook an international search to find a digital leader with world-class talent.
“The wonderful irony is that there was someone sitting right down St Kilda Road!” he said.
“Ben’s knowledge and experience across technology and operations is extremely impressive, but what excited (Creative Chairman) James McGrath and I the most about him was his love of ideas.”
Kidney is the second significant hire from Clemenger BBDO this year after Gayle While was appointed head of CRM in March.
“We are undergoing a lot of positive cultural and structural change at Clemenger BBDO Melbourne and Ben, alongside Gayle, will play a pivotal role in driving that change,” Garrett added.
For his part, Ben Kidney describes the role as a once-in-a-career opportunity.
“When Nick offered me this opportunity, I jumped at the chance of working alongside him,” he said.
“He’s got an amazing creative reputation a leader with an incredibly impressive record and a ferocious will to succeed. Coupled with the world class team of existing and new talent that he has at Clemenger, I knew I needed to be a part of it.”
