APG announces Droga5 executive planning director/partner Sudeep Gohil as new chairman

APG Australia has nominated Droga5 executive planning director Sudeep Gohil, as chairman for 2011/2012.

Taking over from outgoing chairman Jeremy Nicholas, CEO of BMF, Gohil will take up the role immediately. Russ Mitchinson, planning director at DDB Sydney will take up the role of deputy chairman.

Speaking about his decision to step down after three years, Nicholas recognised it was the right time to introduce new thinking under a change of leadership while he now focuses on the increasing commitments of his role as CEO of BMF: “Sudeep and Russ have been an integral part of the committee since they joined and have demonstrated leadership and passion in fulfilling the key objectives of the group. As Director and Executive Planning Partner of one of the leading creative agencies in Australia, Sudeep brings to the role a wealth of valuable experience to take the APG ahead with renewed focus on the planning discipline and its role in a diversified media environment.

“Sudeep and Russ have the full support of the committee and we’re all really looking forward to a new era of membership growth and renewed activity. As the value of strategic thinking across all communications roles strengthens, we have an important role to play in delivering relevant, motivating benefits for our members.”

Gohil will continue in his role as director on the Board of the Communications Council, with his position now representing the APG at the national level.

Daniel Leesong, CEO of the Communications Council has recognised the achievements of the APG under Jeremy, including a record breaking year for the APG awards, development of the Battle of Big Thinking and the incorporation of the group into the Communications Council: “Jeremy has made an outstanding contribution to the industry both in his role as Chairman of the APG and as a board member of the Communications Council. His commitment to the organisation, the members and the industry has been exceptional.

“Sudeep has already been involved in the Communications Council for a number of years across Circus, Education and the APG. His innovative thinking and creative leadership will be of great value as we look forward to new initiatives and membership growth and value.”

The APG Committee includes Matt Walters, Planning Director, Clemenger BBDO; Russ Mitchinson, Planning Director, DDB; Jules Hall, Managing Director, The Hallway; Emily Hoskins, Freelance Planner. A call for additional committee positions will be announced later this month.

Be in the industry you’re in – join the APG Individual Membership of the Communications Council includes APG and is open to anyone with an interest in strategic planning. Membership includes invitations to regular industry events, networking opportunities and planning resources. To join, visit the APG website for more details.