Gardner departure confirmed by Grey Group

Grey Group has confirmed CB’s exclusive report yesterday morning that Chairman Paul Gardner will step down from the day-to-day operations of the Australian and New Zealand business.

A PR release from Grey states that Gardner will continue to serve as Chairman for the remainder of 2012 and first quarter of 2013.

Grey Group operates in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and Auckland across a number of businesses including Grey, JayGrey, G2, GHG, bcg2 and Graffiti.

Gardner joined Grey as Melbourne General Manager in 1992, became Group Chairman in 1999 and in the 2008 Queen’s Birthday honours, was appointed Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia 2008 for services to charity, the Arts and the Advertising Industry.

“Over the last few years, we have hired new leaders, formed new affiliations, rejuvenated our working environment and positioned ourselves more and more into the digital space,” said Gardner. “With such a strong team now in place, and continued success in terms of new business wins, financial returns and creative awards, it is important to continue that transition.

“I have spent most of my working life at Grey and I am delighted to remain involved with the people I respect and clients I greatly admire.”

Grey Asia Pacific CEO, Nirvik Singh congratulated Gardner on his achievements over nearly twenty years: “In many ways the name Grey in Australia is synonymous with Paul as he was there virtually right from the beginning.  It is fantastic news that he has agreed to stay on and help us transition our business in Australia.

“Two years ago Paul started the ball rolling for Grey Australia with what he termed generational change. In the ensuing period he has overseen a new Australian management team, our rapid expansion into new channels (especially digital) and new Creative leadership in Melbourne, Sydney and more recently, Canberra.

“With the team currently in place, Paul now feels it is time to move into the next phase of his career knowing that he has continued to set Grey on the right course. It is certainly not a farewell, but an opportunity to thank Paul for his efforts over many successful years as CEO. We wish him all the very best during this exciting time”.