DraftFCB to close Melbourne office after last week’s loss of Honda business to Leo Burnett
With last week’s loss of the Honda business to Leo Burnett Melbourne, Draftfcb will close its Melbourne office and concentrate on further developing the network’s Sydney operations.
In a statement the agency said it “will fulfil its commitments to Honda to effect a smooth turnover to the new agency and continue discussions with other Melbourne-based clients as to the best way forward to manage their businesses. For our staff, we are looking at placement options for those interested in moving to another Draftfcb office and we are helping where possible to assist them find new employment opportunities locally in Melbourne.”
The agency’s creative director is Mat Garbutt (pictured), who took over the role from Scott Lambert in March 2010. Garbutt has since posted a comment on the CB Blog: “Thanks for the single photo credit, but I did have help bringing the agency to its knees. But in all seriousness, a huge thanks to all and sundry who helped us create a body of work we’ve been very proud of over the years. No doubt I’ll be seeing a whole bunch of you soon enough. Over and out. “
21 Comments
Sorry to hear it – when accounts move, a lot of employed folks who had nothing to do with it suffer, hope you all land safely, somehow & somewhere.
Campaign Palace and now FCB – of course for every one that falls, 45 “digital” shops will spring up in their place… fuckers
Thanks for the single photo credit, but I did have help bringing the agency to its knees.
But in all seriousness, a huge thanks to all and sundry who helped us create a body of work we’ve been very proud of over the years.
No doubt I’ll be seeing a whole bunch of you soon enough.
Over and out.
Everyone sitting at their desk reading this knows that these days they’re only a few zig zags away from something like this happening.
Empty the bar fridge tonight and the stationary cupboard on Friday.
Thinking of you all and wishing you the best.
Sad, sad day indeed.
Some great ads and people have come from FCB over the years.
I hope someone organises a ‘last drinks’ farewell for all ex-staff.
Sad news. I started my time in adland at FCB Melbourne and had 4 great years there.
RIP FCB
Definitely sad news, but it’s the industry we are in. Mat and Higgo are good blokes and hopefully will land on their feet.
From what I saw last week, SapientNitro isn’t far behind.
Long live the independents.
Very sad news indeed, I started off here too and had 4 awesome years working with loads of great people, the connections at FCB started one of the greatest bands in the history of history.
I think most of Mellbourne’s best did time at FCB and on Honda. Sad to see this shop close, it ignited many… including Tommy Loveric!!!
Ah fuck it. Sorry to hear that guys.
Hope you all land somewhere good soon.
Rich.
Caught the cleaners having a shag in the basement there once. They were pretty gross but it was still classic.
“Most” of Melbourne’s best? Who else?
Good briefs, good crew, good times.
A very sad loss.
We’ll miss those ‘creative rumbles’ at The London. (burp)
Crap cars, crap value, crap marketing. A brand living in the 90s. Typical client response, blame the agency and fire them.
Lets hope Leo Burnett don’t bank on keeping the brand and staff up accordingly
@ Memories Hahaha
Honda are the Sony of cars. A decade of zero product development and a complete loss of external focus and market understanding cant be fixed with an advertising agency change.
That’s certainly sad news and some talented people involved. Let’s trust that the ‘swings and roundabouts’ moves the growth to another place and those talented people re-surface and shine.
On ya Matt, a true advertising gentleman.
All the best mate.
That’s certainly sad news and some talented people involved. Let’s trust that the ‘swings and roundabouts’ moves the growth to another place and those talented people re-surface and shine.
Just catching up on this now – very sad news.
Got my first gig there too.
Great people. Good memories!
Where is Chris Maisano their Head of Digital Creative going? Laz if you read this call Gary! You are a wanted talent!