BWM snares ex-Whybin TBWA Group Melbourne MD Mark Watkin for MD role in Melbourne offices

BWM has appointed Mark Watkin (left), ex-managing director of Whybin\TBWA Group Melbourne to the role of managing director of BWM in Melbourne.

Watkin brings over 17 years’ experience in marketing communications across advertising, digital and brand development working in Great Britain and Australia, for the last eight years, at top tier agencies. He’s worked with clients across a range of sectors from government, retail, FMCG, finance, sport, automotive, healthcare and more.

During his time as managing director of Whybin\TBWA Group Melbourne, he helped grow the agency as it almost doubled in size and won B&T National Agency of the Year in 2012.

Previous roles also include head of client services at George Patterson Y&R Melbourne and Saatchi & Saatchi in London where he started his career. Watkin also worked for four years at independent digital agency Hyperlink in London.

Says Paul Williams, CEO of BWM: “We are looking forward to the breadth of knowledge and leadership experience that Mark will bring to BWM in Melbourne. He has a strong track record in developing agency / client relationships and delivering award-winning client campaigns.”

Says Watkin: “BWM has always been an entrepreneurial company and it’s something I’ve admired. I’m looking forward to joining and working with the agency team in a new chapter and building on the solid work to date.”

Watkin takes the reins from Carl Ratcliff, who has overseen growth in BWM’s Melbourne office with a string of client wins over the past 18 months, and is now making a move with his family to Sydney to pursue new ventures.

Says Williams: “We believe Mark’s skills will build on the good work and momentum generated by Carl. We’re grateful for Carl’s contribution to BWM and wish him and his family all the best. The agency is excited about Mark joining the team and looking forward to big things continuing to come out of the Melbourne office.”