After almost three years as executive creative director, Kieran Antill has left J. Walter Thompson (JWT) Melbourne to focus on his family and outside interests.

JWT Melbourne managing director Michael Godwin thanked Antill for his contribution to the business and his focus on the creative department, which he leaves in “excellent shape”.

“Kieran has played an instrumental role in the success of the Melbourne office, making multiple new creative hires, establishing a consistently high bar for our output across a diverse client base, and introducing an integrated design team,” Godwin said.

“He has also driven many internal initiatives that have helped all our staff recognise and celebrate creativity in multiple forms and unite in a shared creative ambition for the agency.

“He leaves an established, market-leading team who will continue this legacy of creative focus.”

Commenting on his departure, Antill said: “Being the ECD of JWT Melbourne has been a privilege. I am so very proud of what we have achieved, the growth we’ve had, the shared creative ambition and the teamwork that has overcome daily challenges.

“While this has been an exciting ride – one that I’ll be forever grateful for – it has run its course. So, at this time, in this place I will be stepping back to focus on other interests, and my next venture will be named in the new year.”

Godwin said a plan is already in place regarding the future structure of JWT Melbourne’s creative department and will be announced soon.