After almost three decades with Clemenger Group, current CEO Les Timar is set to step down.
Timar has decided that this is the right time for new leadership, with BBDO Worldwide and Omnicom indicating interest in acquiring the remaining employee-owned shares in Clemenger Group.
Adrian Ciabotti, Chief Operating and Financial Officer, will lead Clemenger Group and support its agencies on an interim basis, with BBDO Worldwide to make further announcements in due course.
Timar initially joined Clemenger Group in 1998 when it acquired a majority stake in the company he co-founded, which evolved to become GRACosway. He served for many years as the CEO of GRACosway, the Group’s highly successful trans-Tasman public affairs and strategic communications firm.
He was appointed as Clemenger Group’s CEO at the end of 2021 and worked to enhance the Group’s capabilities and client offer, support agency development and foster collaboration between its agencies.
“It has been the greatest privilege of my career to serve as the CEO of this truly extraordinary, storied and diverse company,” Timar said.
“I have had the opportunity of working with so many talented people who have brought their innovative thinking and boundless energy to our clients’ most important business problems.”
“I’d like to particularly thank Robert Morgan, Peter Clemenger and Hylton Mackley for their belief in me and their respective contributions over many decades to Clemenger Group,” Timar said.
Timar’s exit from Clemenger Group comes after news Stephen de Wolf rejoined Clemenger BBDO has as National Chief Creative Officer after 10 months as Chief Creative Officer of BMF. De Wolf brings with him a global track record of award-winning creativity and a deep connection to the agency’s brand.
Top image: Les Timar