John ‘Steady’ Steedman Announces Retirement
Industry legend John ‘Steady’ Steedman has announced his retirement.
The ASX this morning announced Steedman has retired as executive director of WPP AUNZ and from his executive roles as chief operating officer and executive chairman Media Investment Management.
Steedman, who was appointed Director of WPP AUNZ in April 2016, has enjoyed an outstanding career in the advertising business, spanning over 45 years and roles across Australia and Asia Pacific.
The WPP board’s acknowledgment of his strong leadership and extensive industry knowledge, led to Steedman’s appointment as interim chief executive officer of WPP AUNZ from November 2018 to October 2019.
Over the past 12 months, Steedman has been chief operating officer of the Company.
WPP AUNZ Chairman Robert Mactier said: “John has made an enormous contribution to WPP AUNZ and WPP plc as an executive and a director and his experience, advocacy and pragmatism will be greatly missed.
“John is widely respected as an industry leader in the media buying sector and as a passionate advocate on important issues including diversity and inclusion, and R U OK? suicide prevention and he is a leading voice in seeking greater accountability in online media commentary.
“John is much loved by all at WPP AUNZ and by many clients and respected leaders across the industry. We will miss his friendship and contribution, but we understand his desire to take a step back from the frontline. On behalf of all at WPP AUNZ, we wish John a very happy and well-deserved retirement.”
WPP AUNZ CEO Jens Monsees said: “With his deep experience, Steady has provided invaluable support and leadership as COO over the past year as we faced the very challenging external circumstances and successfully changed our workplaces to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I have been very grateful for his contribution as we have embarked on our transformation strategy which is now well underway, and he leaves with my thanks and best wishes for the future.”
Steedman said: “It’s been an honour to serve WPP AUNZ and WPP plc for the past 45 years. Over this time, I have been greatly impressed by the calibre of talent and creativity of the people I work with and their energy to embrace change and growth.”
“I have been through cycles of both positive tailwinds and tough downturns, and through each one, it is the fantastic clients and colleagues whom I have had the pleasure to work alongside, that has made this journey so rewarding and colourful.
“I have been considering retirement for a while, and now, having well and truly handed the reins over to Jens, is the right time. I wish the board and management all the very best in their future endeavours.”
Mr Steedman has been inducted in the Media Federation of Australia Hall of Fame (2013).
Please login with linkedin to comment
John SteedmanLatest News
Is B2B Marketing Missing Its Emotional Touch?
B2B marketers could learn a thing or two from their B2C colleagues, argues WP Engine VP APAC sales Mark Randall in this guest post. It surprises me how many B2B organisations are not quite hitting the mark when it comes to reaching their audience. When talking directly to businesses, many brands are missing an opportunity […]
Aussie Taxpayers Invested $50M In Failed Streaming Service
Fresh from buying the Australia Post board Cartier watches, the Aussie taxpayer is copping yet another shafting here.
Springfree Trampoline Unveils New TV ‘That’s Why We Got A Springfree’
Who didn't love the backyard trampoline as a kid? And many of us still carry the physical scarring from the adventure.
Women In Media’s Tara O’Keefe: “What Worked Yesterday Doesn’t Today And Certainly Won’t Tomorrow”
Here's some wise words from QMS’ Tara O’Keefe. Yet, not that wise that you'd have to have done chemistry for the HSC.
An “Intellectual Thickshake”: Ben Fordham Rips On Pete Evans, As Pete Viciously Fires Back
B&T's understanding is that Pete Evans is a chef? Why doesn't he pop on the apron and get back to cooking dinner?
Why The ACCC Has Its Eye On iMessage, Facebook Messenger And WhatsApp
Any bartender that served Rod Sims a chardonnay would NOT want to fall short of that line on the glass, that's for sure.
Burger King Trials Reusable Packaging
Here's a top initiative from Burger King that does kinda sound like a slightly tedious Craig Reucassel documentary.
Thursday TV Wrap: Gogglebox Takes Top Spot Despite Slight Dip
Gogglebox is almost like a scientific, neurological study into the human condition. Just with more bogans and ad breaks.
Borat Hijacks Landmarks Around The World To Promote Long-Awaited Sequel
Borat promotion comes to Bondi. And even it couldn't find any parking & got charged $9 for a tumeric almond milk latte.
Freelancers Marketplace Fiverr Appoints Bohemia For TV And BVOD In Australia
Freelance marketplace Fiverr has appointed Bohemia. B&T understands it's full-time and not three days casual.
Smarter Use Of Art & Science Stretch Auto Budgets Further
The majority of adverts uploaded to Facebook aren’t created for Facebook as its priority. This is causing huge inefficiencies and poor performance for brands, many of whom are facing up to shrinking budgets. Tom Phillips (main photo) managing director at Connecting Plots shares lessons from 12 campaigns they optimised for auto brands… It’s no secret […]
Jaguar Land Rover Appoints Haystac As PR Agency Of Record
We're not entirely sure if B&T goes to eastern suburbs real estate agents, but Haystac has won Land Rover's PR.
Greenpeace Warns Of The Dangers Of Deforestation In Stunning Animated Spot
Want to feel slightly more shit than you already do? A Greenpeace ad's guaranteed to activate the depression hormones.
Young Guns Take The Lead With The First PRIA University Mentoring Program In NSW
On Wednesday, 21 October 2020, the PR industry was bolstered by the launch of the Public Relations Institute of Australia’s (PRIA) first University Mentoring Program in New South Wales, adapting the traditional face-to-face program to a virtual format for the first time. In collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), the PRIA NSW Young […]
JCDecaux Teams Up With MyPayNow To Serve Real-Time Data
JCDecaux has developed a dynamic digital campaign with live timetable data where commuters can access their money from MyPayNow while waiting for the bus. In an exclusive nationwide Out-Of-Home campaign, JCDecaux’s SMARTFRAME digital assets are broadcasting bus arrival times, letting commuters know how far away their next bus is – and just how easy it […]
Rokt Secures $US80M Series D Investment Round
Rokt has today announced an investment of US$80M. The capital will help accelerate research & development and support the expansion of its client base into new verticals and geographies as Rokt continues to make e-commerce smarter, faster, and better. The funding round was led by Rokt’s largest institutional shareholder TDM Growth Partners , and supported […]
Election Billboard Claiming Biden Is Mentally Unfit Spells Dementia Wrong
This actually would be hilarious had it not been about electing the next leader of the free world.
INNOCEAN Snares CHEP’s Wesley Hawes For ECD Role
Photographer goes the full "Leibovitz" to create moody, ethereal press pic for Welsey Hawes announcement.
How Human Centred Design Can Help Define Brand Experience
Admittedly, this one is a little highbrow and arty. However, a refreshing change from B&T's usual lowbrow and farty.
Nature Invests In New Team Members And Innovation
Leading strategic insights consultancy Nature today announced it has hired several key new team members and restructured senior roles to increase its focus on innovation, including new technology and data sources.
Dentsu International To Be Net Zero Emissions Agency By 2030
Admittedly, B&T's own net zero emissions targets have been hampered by the burnout competition in the car park.
PayPal And Buy From The Bush Launch New Marketplace
PayPal Australia and Buy From The Bush have joined forces to launch a new online marketplace to showcase rural Australian small businesses in time for Christmas. The expanded partnership aims to build stronger connections between bush businesses and Australians in cities and suburbs across the country. The new Buy From The Bush Marketplace is an […]
Foxtel Upfronts: New Shows, Remote Voice Control, & Foxtel Media’s New Data Platform For Buyers
Seven's yesterday, Foxtel's Upfronts today. If it wasn't for this pandemic, B&T staff should be very hungover about now.
Freedom Foods Appoints 72andSunny Sydney As Its Comms & Design Agency
72andSunny office staff already noticing fluffier stools after snaring breakfast cereal maker.
Streaming Service Quibi Sensationally Shuts Down After Just Six Months
Quibi has shut down after just six months. It's also now got lots of monogrammed pens it doesn't know what to do with.
Droga5 Nails It Once Again In Hilarious New Work For Amazon’s Alexa
The B&T office uses Alexa for all our everyday mundane chores. But we call him Brian the work experience student.
Neuro-Insight Study Reveals Animation Is Twice As Effective As Static Advertising
In possibly a further blow for supermodels, a new study has found animation is twice as effective as static advertising.
Wednesday TV Wrap: Gruen Takes A 200K Hit
Gruen plummets 200,000 viewers in just one week. However, that's not to say Highway Patrol went up a similar amount.
Philippe Krakowsky Named New IPG CEO
Philippe "Crackers" Krakowsky named new IPG global CEO. However, says he only uses Crackers on less formal occasions.
Cricket NSW Bans Sports Betting Ads In New ‘GambleAware’ Partnership
Cricket NSW has banned sports betting and moved to medium-strength beer. You watch, the meat pies will be next.
