UM Australia has confirmed its national head of trading, Andrew Murray, has left the business after 20 years, Mediaweek can reveal. The agency has also made a “small number” of redundancies across Sydney and Melbourne.
UM said the agency and Murray mutually agreed that his departure would be effective immediately. Murray will explore new opportunities.
Anathea Ruys, CEO of UM Australia, told Mediaweek that Murray was a highly respected member of UM’s team who always provided valuable counsel to his clients and unwavering commitment to the business across two decades.
“Muz will always be a friend to UM, and we are very thankful for his 20 years of dedication. I thank him for his energy, passion and contribution and wish him all the very best for his future,” she added.
In the short term, Murray’s responsibilities will be managed by the senior trading team. Further announcements will be made in due course.
Since 2004, Murray has held a range of roles at UM, including Sydney investment director, Sydney partnerships director, and national partnerships director, before he was promoted to national head of training in 2019. Murray declined to comment on his departure.
In addition to Murray’s exit, the agency also confirmed a “small number” of roles were made redundant at its offices across Sydney and Melbourne.
The agency said in a statement: “UM Australia has undertaken a review of its capabilities and resources to suit the changing needs of business and position itself for growth. As part of the process, a small number of roles have been made redundant in Sydney and Melbourne.
“UM is currently working with those affected by the impact of this decision and out of respect for those staff members, will be making no further comment.”
The news comes as the federal government’s master media account, worth between $150 to $240 million, is up for tender after six years with UM.
UM has managed the government’s buying, planning and strategy since 2018. In 2021, UM was successful in retaining the major account, extending it for another three years until June 2024.
Today, the agency announced it has won the global media account for auto manufacturer Chery.
See also: Federal government master media account is up for tender after six years with UM