Y&R Australia & NZ CCO Ben Coulson to depart agency; NZ CEO Josh Moore to fill role

CB Exclusive – CB can reveal that Y&R CCO, Ben Coulson will depart the agency at the end of the year, after six years heading up the group in Australia and New Zealand. Coulson also lead GPY&R Melbourne for 4 years prior to his promotion as regional CCO and served on the Y&R global board. Replacing Coulson is Y&R NZ CEO Josh Moore.

Says Coulson: “It’s been a good run as CCO of Y&R ANZ. 67 Cannes lions. 21 D&AD pencils. Three times most awarded ANZ network at Cannes and Spikes. This years most awarded at D&AD, Cannes, Andy, One Show and New York festivals. Multiple Grande Prix and Best of Show’s. Agency of the year titles at Campaign Brief, Adnews, B&T, Award and Effies. Top 5 ECD’s in the world at Cannes and currently top 10 CCO’s in the world, won report. All our offices are now up and about creatively, and business is in good shape.

“I’ve worked with some amazing people, made some great stuff and had a lot of laughs. I’m now bloody excited by what’s next.”

Says Tony Granger, chief creative officer, Y&R: “I want to thank Ben, who leaves a legacy here of innovative and outstanding work.  I am positive his next chapter will be worthy of his tremendous talent and we wish him well.”

Josh Moore (right), current CEO of Y&R New Zealand and the creative leader behind this past year’s hugely successful McWhopper campaign, will replace Coulson. He takes on this role in addition to his role as CEO of Y&R New Zealand.

Moore took over the helm of the media and creative agency Y&R NZ in 2011. It was the #7 agency in the NZ market. This year the agency ranked No.1 in APAC at the Cannes Lions and No.4 in the world. On top of that Y&R NZ won The Grandy at the Andys, 6 Yellow Pencils and most awarded agency at D&AD, Best In Show at NYF and a highly coveted Webby. Prior to Y&R he was the founder of Us Sydney, now known as JOY Agency.

Says Tony Granger, chief creative officer of Y&R: “Josh has tremendous creative courage.  It goes without saying that he is wildly imaginative, but he is also extraordinarily smart about what will make consumers pay attention and what will motivate them to take action. That’s what makes him so effective and extraordinary.”

Says Phil McDonald (above, left), CEO, Y&R Group Australia & NZ: “Josh has been a driving force in the growth and global reputation of our Y&R New Zealand agency. I’m excited to have him turn his creative attention to the entire region, and know that he will bring his energy and enthusiasm to our clients and our people alike.”

Says Moore: “I have a personal mantra that I have been leading Y&R New Zealand with — Don’t Die Wondering. It’s emblazoned in neon across the agency’s reception area. This kind of thinking drives brave people to create brave work and attract brave clients. Creating experiences that engage people with brands is the job of advertising agencies. How we achieve this evolves every day, there is no formula. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues in Australia and the great clients that we have across the region.”