Clemenger Australia and NZ CEO Peter Biggs departs role after 15 years to return home to NZ

Clemenger Group chairman Robert Morgan has today announced that after 15 years with the Clemenger Group in New Zealand and Australia, Peter Biggs (left) has decided to retire and head home to New Zealand.

Says Morgan: “Peter has always indicated that his long-term plan was to return to New Zealand to live. Now he has decided to make that move.

“Peter was managing director of our Wellington agency for seven years and did an outstanding job, helping to make us number one in the tough Wellington market.

“Then in 2006 he agreed to come to Clemenger BBDO Melbourne as managing director.  For the last eight years we have gone from strength to strength in Melbourne. With his creative partner, James McGrath, and an outstanding management team, Clemenger BBDO Melbourne has built a global reputation as one of the best agencies in the world.”

During Biggs’ later period at Clemenger BBDO Melbourne, the agency was CB Agency of the Year a record 5 times in a row between 2008 – 2012.

Says Morgan: “Peter has played a central role in this success and we are extremely grateful for his contribution to the agency.

“Peter is a big personality and will be greatly missed, but we understand his desire to ‘go home’ to pursue the next stage of his life and his many other interests. He will consult to the agency until the end of the year.”

Clemenger BBDO Melbourne has strong management in place, led by James McGrath, as creative chairman, Paul McMillan, as managing director and the management team. Adding to this team will be the appointment of Jim Moser as chairman of Clemenger BBDO Melbourne.

Says Biggs: “It’s been a privilege to be part of the Clemenger BBDO network for 15 years. I’ve been given the chance to lead remarkable agencies in two of my favourite cities – Wellington and Melbourne – and to work with a group of extraordinarily talented people – and great clients – in both of those places. I’m proud to leave the Melbourne agency in terrific shape and I know that, under Jim’s, James’ and Paul’s leadership, the agency will get even better. I wish them every success.”

Morgan said Moser, who is currently CEO of Clemenger Group New Zealand, will re-locate to Melbourne. He will continue to head up New Zealand, but will take on the additional responsibility in Melbourne.

Says Morgan: “Jim is a top ad guy and has overseen our businesses in New Zealand brilliantly over the last six years.  He has also been part of the tremendous success achieved by our agencies in Auckland and Wellington. Prior to moving to New Zealand, Jim ran Clemenger BBDO in Sydney for eight years, having come from BBDO prior to that.

“Jim will divide his time between New Zealand and Melbourne. We look forward to introducing Jim Moser to you in mid-September, when these changes become effective.”