Kat Thomas, the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of One Green Bean, is stepping away from the business after almost two decades.
In a LinkedIn post on Wednesday she said: “After 18 years in Sydney and a decade in London I’ve decided it’s time to finally hand over the keys to One Green Bean later this year.”
“When you build a business, in my case two, and go on the journey of selling it to a network, it’s fair to say many founders move on pretty quickly. Not so in my case. I can honestly say it’s been an incredible chapter… several really, and I’ve loved it.
“Today we have strong teams on both continents and fantastic clients, so it feels like a good time to pass the baton into very capable hands.
“I’ll save my reminiscing and embarrassing photos for later. For now, a few quick thank yous which I’ll no doubt expand on down the track – to my OGB co-founder Anthony Freedman, I couldn’t be more proud of what we achieved together.
“To Havas and its UK Chairman mark whelan for the wonderful years of partnership and to all our brave, ambitious, good humoured clients…who trusted me to launch everything from a doggy highchair to a jet pack powered pizza delivery.
“The biggest thank you goes to the Beans, past and present… for your energy, enthusiasm and passion for the craft.
“Proud that I’ll soon join the Old Bean alumni, what a superstar line up that includes. You know who you are.”
One Green Bean, a full service earned media agency, is part of Havas Network.
Earlier this year, the agency promoted Amber Abbott to CEO of One Green Bean, stepping up from the role of managing director. The role extends her responsibility for the management and strategic direction of the agency.
Changing of the guard
Thomas’ exit from One Green Bean after 18 years follows the suit of many industry leaders who have recently announced their departures after decades in the industry.
This week Paul Bradbury announced he was stepping away from his regional leadership role after almost 20 years leading TBWA\ across Australia and New Zealand.
Several other agency leaders who have exited their roles after lengthy stints include Ogilvy Network’s Sally Kissane after 30 years, Clemenger Group’s Les Timar after almost 30 years and chairman Robert Morgan after 46 years
Andrew Little also joins the list of long tenured leaders following his exit from DDB Group AUNZ after 25 years, as well as AKQA’s Brian Vella who stepped down after 24 years as APAC CEO.
Top image: Kat Thomas