NZ shake-up as Toby Talbot set to take CCO reins from Andy Blood at Whybin\TBWA, Auckland; CEO David Walden set to depart by end of 2013

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TOBY-TALBOT-NEW.jpgToby Talbot, who resigned from the ECD role at RKCR/Y&R London in December after less than a year to return to New Zealand, is about to take the chief creative officer – and co-managing – role at Whybin\TBWA Auckland.

Believed to be a long time in the planning, current ECD Andy Blood (below left) is moving on after nearly nine successful and multiple Cannes awarded years in the role. His plans are yet to be revealed, although CB hears he might consult to TBWA on international projects.

Also departing, after16 years in the role, is founding CEO David (Devo) Walden, who will be retained as a consultant. His replacement, which CB believes to be from the client-side, will be announced any day, once contracts are signed.

On Blood’s watch, the agency, which before his arrival from Saatchi & Saatchi, Auckland, had won only one international award, picked up 2 Cannes Grand Prix, 15 Lions, 1 D&AD Yellow pencil, 6 One Show pencils, a Grand Clio, AWARD Silvers and Bronzes, SPIKES’ Silver and Bronzes, 6 Young Guns bullets, and ADFEST Innova, Silver and Bronzes.

ANDY-BLOOD.jpgBefore joining RKCR/Y&R London in January last year Talbot was group ECD at DDB New Zealand.

At Christmas Talbot told CB that his family was homesick for NZ: “I can’t exactly commute from Auckland! Got some nice work away for the BBC and have several exciting projects finished in January and February but also focusing on an exciting opportunity in NZ.”

Originally from the UK, Talbot had been in New Zealand for the previous fifteen years, working at Colenso BBDO, Saatchi & Saatchi and DDB New Zealand.