Horner set to depart Whybin\TBWA Sydney
CB Exclusive: Garry Horner, executive creative director of Whybin\TBWA Sydney is leaving the agency after four years at the creative helm. He joined Whybin’s in May 2006 after 10 years at DDB Sydney where he was national creative director.
Horner was hired by Whybin\TBWA chairman Scott Whybin to replace Mick Hunter who left the agency for a brief stint at JWT Sydney.
Horner told CB his departure from Whybin\TBWA is amicable: “I’ve really enjoyed the last four years at Whybins. It’s testament to the success of the agency that Matty and Dave are now joining the agency. From my point of view that’s a great reflection of where the agency is now compared to when I joined four years ago. It’s grown into a successful and vibrant agency and I wish them every success.”
Over the past four years the agency has grown from 100 to 140 staff, winning new business such as eBay, The Sydney Morning Herald, Rabobank and Visa.
Whybin\TBWA, Sydney topped the 2009 BestAds Australian Agency Rankings, having creating controversial and award-winning campaigns for clients including Adults Surviving Abuse (ASCA), Visa and The Sydney Morning Herald.
“We were pushing the needle in the right direction. The greatest compliment you can have is when you are growing the business from existing clients,” said Horner.
So what’s next for Horner? He’s accrued three months’ annual leave, so he’s going to take a break before stepping up to the next challenge.
“Creatively I’m still passionate and excited by the business and want to be involved in creating fantastic ideas that really translate into great sales,” he said.
On announcing Horner’s appointment back in 2006, Whybin said: “In this current environment I just wanted a bloody good, decent professional grown-up to run the creative department. Garry is passionate about creativity, but he also understands the business side of things. This is probably a rare combination right now. I looked around, I looked hard and it was a clear choice because he’s got both those skills.”
31 Comments
Rock is dead!
Bye, bye Gary. How about that beer now?
Someone please fill in the obvious blanks: Why is he leaving and where is he going?
Thanks for everything Gaz.
From your band of brothers.
Monday night drinks?
Sad to see the old Horndog go! Go Gaz u bloody legend!
It’s been a fun four years Gaz. I’ll miss you.
And I win the present war.
Is Sean Ashcroft staying?
Good bloke. Full stop.
Seriously, been great working with you mate. The very best of luck for wherever you choose to go next. Super Spurs.
Gaz – the best CD in the fucking universe.
I worked with him for 10 years – lost a wife – lost a billion brain cells – lost my job – lost my liver – lost my ego – lost my anonymous – lost my voice over gig – lost my regular friends – lost my inhibitions – lost my phone, jacket, umbrella, glasses and credit card
– BUT
I found my feet – i found ideas – i found funny – i found place mats in my pocket the next morning covered in gold – I found friends with the same DNA – I found place mats in the morning covered in absolute crap – I found confidence – I found a CD gig – I found advertising is the best. ride. ever. when Gaz is at the wheel.
And I found myself here Friday night on Campaign brief digging the shit out of memory lane over a Tuscan Red…Tumble-Sniff-Ahhhhh.
Whoever works with him next – buy yourself a lotto ticket.
@H$!M
May the legend of Gaz continue!
Mike O’Rourke
Good luck Gazza, you’re a bloody legend and any agency would be lucky to have you.
Horner to Clemnenger anyone?
Garry, you did a fantastic job of lifting the creative standards and profile of the agency. You always do. I love the fact you have never, ever, lost your passion for picking up a white pad and getting stuck in. Ted is bang on the money.
Miami or where ever next I might just bump into you, we’ll laugh. We always do.
Cheers, mate.
Horner5?
wow, there really are a lot of nice comments.
Good luck Gaz,can’t wait to see where go next, one thing’s for sure though, it’ll be all the better for your presence!
The BEST GEMINI in the business. I hope we have the pleasure of
working with him (both of him) in the future.
Slap N Tickle
Gary. You are a legend. There is a lot more to go yet. Us more mature blokes are just getting started. No idea why you are moving on but someone else will now be able to get a little bit of Gary Horner.
Enjoy your break. Stay happy and healthy.
Where’s he off to? Good bloke.
Yes, there realy are a lot of very nice comments.
Almost makes you think that some of the other comments have been edited out…
Sorry to hear about Garry, but I’m sure there’s plenty of life in the old Horndog yet! it’s also good to read all the messages of support, especially from the likes of top blokes like Mike O’Rourke and Mish. Good on you. Richard S.
All the best Captain Cuddles. x
lots of good comments and deservedly so, good luck Gazza
I think there is plenty of life in the ole dog yet – maybe he’s resigned to take Bruce Matchett’s job at Ogilvy? He and Mike Daniels used to work together, and no announcement has been made on that yet?? They need a grown up who knows the Aussie market with all the big Aussie brands Ogilvy handles.
Burton and Barlow’s announcement looked very last minute (The Australian couldn’t even get Bowman’s name right) ?
Thanks for getting me into the big time Gaz.
Jon
Yes, on you Gazza.
All those wonderful comments. I bet you Lynchie’s hasn’t had had to edit a thing.
The future’s only just begun!
Lots of love!
Air Dog.
One for the road Gazza?
Thanks for the memories and a few little tricks mate.
Cheers,
TH.
All the Best Gaz,
Appreciate all the advice (and the occasional rubbishing).
Cheers,
CB.
Goodluck Gazza, you still haven’t written me my reference and I’ll hold it to you forever.
Thanks for the brief stint – wanna buy a dozer?