CLEMS SYDNEY RETRENCHES CREATIVE TEAM
December 12 2008, 3:41 pm | | 93 Comments
Clemenger BBDO Sydney has retrenched five staffers, including senior creative team Kevin MacNamara (pictured) and Sean Lavery, as well as planners Al Druett and Dan Pankarz. The retrenchments follow a similar decision made by M&C Saatchi Sydney last month.
93 Comments
What a time of year to get shafted. Poor buggers. Hasn’t one been shafted from every agency he’s been at?
get ready people, because this is just the beginning.
Nice work.
Old habits die hard.
Hey, JP?
With 12% unemployment in the 90’s recession, good people in advertising kept their jobs.
The difference around this time, is that there aren’t many good people.
Go figure your odds, pretenders.
Two years ago these were the creatives the previous management team hired to try and hold on to the biggest account at the agency which was threatening to walk.
6 months later that same client signed a new contract because of the work of Kevie and Sean. That saved between 15 to 20 jobs at Clems. That’s the business.
was it not just five minutes ago, that clems went into print boasting how much money they had made?
Unfortunately it’s a fact of life that agencies need to trim their costs from time to time.
And unless you’ve been under a rock for the past year, things are very tough at the moment. We’re living in the gloomiest economic times for many years.
It’s never a good time to wield the axe.
And agency bean-counters are not known for their sentimentality.
I was fired on Christmas eve one year.
Kev is a very talented adman and a great bloke. He’s still young enough to fall back on his feet. In the meantime, Kev, my advice would be to try to enjoy the summer, spend time with your kids and worry about work after the school holidays.
Monty A
what the fuck are you on about 9:12?
ain’t nothing nice about retrenchments you twat
I agree. While I feel for the people who have lost their income, it should never have been about their income in the first place.
Funny paradigm, care only about the work and you get paid buckets. Care only about the money and eventually you get paid peanuts.
Fucking sad day for the CDs when they have to sack people tho. Hope Gus & Richie are doing ok.
Peabottle.
So 12% I guess it’s a matter of time before your the 12.01%
Strap yourselves in. The ride is only just beginning. You can’t have this much economic uncertainty without it affecting the ad industry. And when advertisers aren’t spending, they aren’t effectively paying your wages. I am predicting wholesale destruction of our industry in the first half of next year. I think advertisers are spending in the lead up to Christmas. But that will slow to an absolute trickle in the new year. Merry Christmas.
Unfortunately, It’s not a good time for seniors. Agencies are realizing how much money they’re paying those guys when they could hire a few junior team and still save money.
Good luck guys, hopefully something works out. Sweet pic.
Never let it be said that Kevin and Sean are not good people.
They are both great blokes and will be missed, the problem for clems is that they now have no one capable of turning an ad around in a single day.
They will survive because they are very good at what they do.
A note for industry pundits.
There’s a time and place for everything.
This isn’t the one for your views on the state of the industry.
People just got retrenched – senior, expensive people – in very trying economic times.
Wish them well, offer them a job, call their old employer c—s, or just fuck off somewhere else.
11pm, you’re comment is laughable. The title Senior is there for a reason. Seniors look after the business side of things. Keep clients happy and all that. Write the brochures that the juniors can’t. They understand tonality. Juniors are only there on the other hand to one day become seniors. They’re there for a fresh perspective. Most junior people these days are just lazy.
You need a mix of both. In any economic climate. I would suggest that the account those guys saved will now be in a bit of a spin. My advice to those guys is to join another good agency and go get them.
Good luck guys. Redundancies and retrenchments are far too common today. You guys will be fine. Chin up and get on with it.
Yeah right 12.52, do we wanna start a list of wealthy CD’s that didn’t give a rats about work and are now happily living in Palm Beach. You are kidding yourself.
agencies use these moments to clean out their house regardless of their financial situation.
Most of those agencies will be hiring new people in the new year.
they are fuckers that way.
During the recession of the 90s, good people held onto their jobs, and good people lost their jobs along with the pretenders.
Holding onto your job in times like this is cause for humility, not smugness.
10.04 December 12 needs to learn some compassion.
Seniors or juniors, it’s all about the work and how much money they cost. Some juniors are just lazy and others will do much more than any senior.
11am. Where would Man Utd, Liverpool or Chelsea be without ‘Seniors’ or ‘Stars’! It is about creating the right balance, but every team needs a proven goalscorer!
Sad news. But lads from Peckham an inherent survival gene. Kev will be fine!
I’m sure these people will be fine.
everytime i have been made redundant, and lord knows, it has been a few, it has worked out for the best.
I’m sure these guys know that.
so good luck guys, enjoy the holidays and come back harder in the new year.
It would not be the first time Clem’s have let go of very good people. Most land very comfortably on their feet.
Wheres the TDM post?
What TDM post?
more retrenchments (not at clems) as we speak.
gettin ugly
11pm,
It’s rare to find a good junior. That’s the way it is.
Just to share how tough it is out here in unemployment land, I saw an ex colleague working the door at david jones on the weekend…sobering.
For retrenchee’s like me there are so few briefs for new work & if you sniff out a live job employers will expect to stich you up for the same $ as the notch below you (as a senior I’ve been offered a mid weight salary & my agent recommends i take it).
It’s a real quandary to not begrudge a great opportunity & new employer when they’re offering 25% less than industry standard & what i might have earnt 6 years ago.
Just sharing the experience. If you’ve got jobs work hard, enjoy & hang onto them. If you’ve been retrenched go hard & best of luck.
I hear Ogilvy Badjar are ‘letting a few badjars go”
Don’t stop there, 12:40pm.
There’s blood on the floor at McCanns Melbourne, too.
(Yes, they still exist.)
I hear that Saatchi & Saatchi Melbourne are firing people.
We at Transfer have developed a new program agencies can utilities given what’s to be expected into the next 3, 6 and 12 months.
The industry is obviously suffering with the economic down turn. Although digital advertising and communication revenue is suffering less, digital agencies and departments are still feeling the effect due to the close business relationships they enjoy with more traditional communication, media and advertising agencies.
It’s a knock on effect which is leading to redundancies across almost all aspects of the industry. It is a concerning time for many agencies and their employees, as they begin to worry about future revenue and job security.
At Transfer we have put together a program for agencies preparing to make redundancies to help make that transition as painless and seamless as possible. We coach agencies on the best ways to deal with this very delicate process, and the employees with their employment transition following redundancy. We have already been approached by responsible agencies requesting help managing and assisting their redundant staff – rather than just putting their employees on the street.
This four to six week individual program includes;
• Career coaching and industry advice on their study and employment options;
• A current market and industry assessment and a 6 week action plan and path schedule;
• A detailed career assessment of their interests, values and personality type;
• Employment search assistance and networking skills;
• Assistance in preparing cover letters and selection criteria responses;
• Production of a video CV and resume re-development;
• Interview coaching and skills training;
• A Psychometric assessment verifying an industry benchmark;
• Tips on negotiating and securing the best salary package;
• Create industry introductions and long-term employment mentoring;
• Access to a mentor anytime throughout the initial 6 week program ;
• A complementary out-let PT, yoga or pilates session or massage.
If you’re interested to hearing more about the Talent Transition Program (TTP) please contact Bart Jawien Director of Transfer Asia Pacific ( bart@transfergroup.com.au or +61 [0] 414 33 75 72 ) to arrange a time to meet and discuss your agency in complete confidence.
I’m a headhunter.
There are people being moved on at lots of agencies.
Of course, agencies use the current financial situation as an excuse to move on people – it protects their own brand to some extent, protects the reputations of the (in most cases) nice, hard working human beings they have to retrench and…because it is definitely true that clients in some categories are cutting budgets – have a look at Clems client list. I doubt Mitsubishi are selling many cars right now, bet Vodafone are cutting back and would expect that a lot of their fmcg clients are being told by some bean counter overseas to cut budgets.
But what is definitely the case is that agencies never move on the people they really believe in.
It has been easier over the past few years to be flippant when people lose their jobs…almost always they could find other jobs easily and normally at increased pay. But this is not the case now, so those people gloating should pull their heads in and show some class.
Show some empathy. If somebody can’t find a job, they may have to default on a mortgage. If they do that, they’ll have to sell a house that may not be worth as much as the size of their mortgage, which means they may have to go bankrupt or lose everything or a large chunk of their security that has taken 10+ years to build up. When you have kids and have fewer career options, that ain’t a nce place to be in.
So…be thankful that it ain’t you but be humble and respectful to those it has happened to. Then, pull your head in, work hard and go the extra mile that you probably haven’t had to over the past few years
Saatchi & Saatchi Melbourne heh…think all their firing was done and dusted quite some time ago
Maybe they should choose a new career path. I quit advertising and it’s probably the best thing i’ve ever done. I found it stressful, frustrating and a pretty piss-poor use of my artistic side. I’d much prefer to draw a picture than design a brochure or write a short story than some lame TV spot launching yet another product people don’t need.
It’s a very exploitative industry and the people that run agencies often take advantage of the good will and creative passion of their staff. In my experience in Adland I’ve seen too many unlawful (under the Work Placements Act s.226) requests such as being asked to stay back without due notice, unreasonable work loads and workplace bullying. What’s more there are no unions to protect people and the people that run agencies know this and use it to their financial advantage.
The sad thing is many people in advertising consider themselves lucky to be working at this/that agency even if the way they’re being treated is illegal and that their pay is ridiculously low for the hours they work.
If you’re an artistic person there are plenty of ways to be creative in your spare time or in other industries.
10:41AM
Good on you for moving on, but it doesn’t seem as though you have really moved on.
What are you reading this piece of shit for?
I’m following the impact of the economic meltdown on the advertising industry because I still have many friends out there in adland.
I still freelance occasionally for extra cash when people track me down for my services but only when I’ve the time. More and more I couldn’t be arsed since they knock back my reasonable quotes.
Is that alright with you?
What are you reading this “piece of shit” for?
10.39….you have officially made the dumbest comment on the blog this year. Well done, late entry and all, but missing the most obvious gag since ‘why did the chicken cross the road?’ is genius.
What really makes it gold is the ‘heh’….you really thought it was serious didn’t you?
YOU IDIOT
2:43 / 10:41
Wish I had rich parents.
There are some places that don’t exploit people, fly under the radar a little bit and don’t hire wankers.
You obviously never got to work for one of them and it’s a shame, as a positive, collaborative environment, that pays reasonably, can be great fun.
Plus you don’t mind working an extra few hours – because you want to not because you’re expected to.
Good luck with whatever you do.
I work in advertising and I left it ages ago. I don’t even do ads.
Digital rocks.
Get over yourself, 3:25pm.
The first people who always get their heads blown off are those that don’t realise they’re a target.
Best to avoid pop psychologists doing psychometric testing. Especially when they offer complimentary pilates.
I agree with 10:41.
How does one go about starting a Union
to protect us from the bullies?
“This isn’t the one for your views on the state of the industry.”
Hey fascist: this is a blog. We write what the fuck we feel like – that’s the point.
Also, this is the perfect platform to discuss the state of the industry and the bigger picture, which is the looming economic depression which WILL DECIMATE most discretionary industries.
Oh you don’t believe me? Okay watch the numbers roll in early next year.
The only sensible comment i’ve seen so far is the one saying “Get ready people this, this is just the beginning”.
JJ – I don’t know what you’re getting at agro boy, or who digital boy is but the beauty of this blog is you never know who you’re talking to.
Save money and buy gold and gold stocks.
10:05AM
Say whatever you want, fuckwit. Fascists banned free speech. I don’t quite have that power.
My point was that a specific post about people being retrenched might not be the place to bang on with pulled-out-of-your arse economic modelling and theories.
Unfortunately, and I have tried to remedy it with posts elsewhere, there hasn’t been a post specifically about the future of the industry in the current economic climate.
So, I can understand your frustrations.
But when you call me a Fascist I call you a fuckwit, and I really mean it because that’s the beauty of free speech, fuckwit.
under the hitler rule, this blog has come to an end.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godwin%27s_Law
Art director shows up 3 days late for work after falling asleep in a park and waking up sun-burnt would be a better discussion than this drivel.
Best of luck to the boys.
Fuck you doom & gloomers. Want to fix the economy? Go out and spend something.
http://www.adweek.com/aw/index.jsp
bbdo in NA fired 189 staff today. rough going.
4:17, you are a total knob. The blog, any blog, exists to discuss the matter at hand and presumably, any issues related to that matter. Which in this case is the state of the industry at this difficult time.
Hence, 2:54, I can tell you to shut the fuck up and show a bit more maturity.
campaign brief should remove the anonymous aspect to this comments engine.
10:07 – you and me, out in the carpark NOW.
In the mean time I wish Kev and Sean a very merry Christmas and hopefully the new year will bring something great, see you soon guys.
4:53pm
Coming up to Christmas, I have to admit that I have had so much fun this year on this blog. The car park. Where is it and what do you look like? I’d hate to go up to just any random person in any random car park and just smash them. For curiosity’s sake, are you in Sydney?
Companies that fire hard working loyal staff just before Christmas belong in a Charles Dickens novel. I hope they get a lump of coal in there stocking.
Merry Xmas to you, 10:04, and let’s hope there’s a grammar dictionary in yours.
12:52 – Interesting comments. I’d like to know if you’ve ever been made redundant with a mortgage to pay. Bizarre as it sounds, advertising is just a job like any other industry, just a means to an ends.
Thank you 1:31 and i hope your Christmas improved beyond proof reading this blog on Christmas eve.
10:41 AM – Ok, so you worked in an agency for five seconds and couldn’t hack it so went off to smoke dope or whatever you do.
Not to sound rude, but if you quit the business, quit it (aka fuck off). I don’t need to be told about exploitation and all the rest of it. The financial gains after 5 years far outweigh putting in the hard yards when you’re young. I’m under 30 and earn $165k a year. You could say I’m rich.
Maybe some people like this fucking industry. Like the people who read this blog. Maybe some of us work hard because we’re dedicated. Not because it’s legal / illegal. Maybe some of us want to get ahead. Not sit on our fat arses hoping someone will deliver a paycheck out of the sky for nothing.
You obviously can’t handle the heat and I’m glad you’re out of the kitchen.
“‘I’m under 30 and earn $165k a year. You could say I’m rich.”
Oh my god, what a knob.
K
$165 K?
You’re a fucking liar and you fucking know it you little bitch.
1.22, you are a German helmet. Only huge tossers and ferrets that have no self worth brag about their salary. 165k or 665k, you are a nob no matter what.
10:41 here, gainfully employed thanks for asking and having a ball as well, i highly doubt your making that money. This post negates most of your blog bar the part where you lie. Did i hit a nerve about Christmas?
hoo. roo.
Hey 1.22 If you didn’t have any friends on Christmas eve why didn’t you go out and buy some?
To the guy on 165k well done, I could never make that in a year but I’m happy in my job as well. Although you do sound a bit frustrated.
Funny how when you make it people start smearing shit about you.
will the guy on 165k a year identify himself please.
Funniest, most naive comment of the year.
show yourself.
Thank you.
6:49… we know it’s you 1:22….that is sad.
It’s a shame the majority of people I know who read and are featured on this blog, are extremely intelligent, yet the vast majority of recent posters seem to be lacking in a few fundamental faculties.
To remedy that, some may like to at least try and increase their circle of friends beyond the advertising / related services industry (digital, PR, design, motion, publishing etc).
My flatmate earns triple that figure, gets to hang around hot nurses and only works 3 days a week. There is a world out there, if you stop speaking for a moment and listen.
Mr 165K must be the only dude in the biz, apart from the top .09 percentile, that pulls in that kind of bread.
Can I send you my book?
didn’t you guys get holidays this year or are you always on holidays?
Some of you are clearly underpaid and/or don’t work hard enough.
I’m under 30, and I earn 150K. Which means 165K isn’t hard to believe.
Do some work, win awards, then you’ll figure it out.
Hey Sarah,
Just on from your comment:
Sarah said:Best to avoid pop psychologists doing psychometric testing. Especially when they offer complimentary pilates.
Believe me, i’ve never been able to stick my leg behind my head… However, we thought it was a nice thing to include in the 6week program as to help them manage their stress levels post redundancy….. How may head-hunter or recruitment agency do you know who actually care and want to spend time with their talent rather then making a buck off them????
Must only be juniors on this blog, point proven. Average wage for a good senior art director, 110-230k. Average GAD is around 130 up to 250. Don’t be jealous, the guy had a point. I’ve worked with guys that got there before me and it shat me too. There’s a lot of people who make good money out of this industry, not only creatives. Why gripe?
Peace on earth.
Bring on Barack!
*joke*.
Signed
Snr Strategist (& partner).
I know camera operators that pull 5k per day. Sure it’s not every day. But it’s most day’s.
165 is gambling money.
1:22 must be running his own shop or working in digital.
1:22 must be working in marketing.
$165k in Sydney is lower middle-class FYI.
And rich is defined by assets not income.
Is your second house at Palm Beach paid off yet?
Wow, a man with a sad looking fish caught all this! Impressive.
We generally have a habit of not telling juniors how much we earn. It keeps their moral in check and means we attract people that want to do good work, not earn money.
For the record, 165 is nothing. But before 30, semi impressive. You must be one of about 10 people, assuming you’re a creative.
LOL
Yeah you don’t tell Juniors how much you earn so they don’t realise they’re being raped up the arse! Anal rape is bad for moral.
Anonymous Account DIrector
Yes, but anal rape is excellent for morale . . .
I’d have to agree with an earlier poster… i think i know who he was.
Advertising is a horrible place for a genuinely creative person. By genuinely creative I mean someone who’s an artist, writes books, plays music etc. Not someone that comes up with a clever little waste of people’s time, as much as I respect them. I also know most people who do come up with clever little waste’s of people’s time are genuinely creative on the outside.
Back to advertising. Not only do you have less creative control than a designer working in a design agency (trust me, I’ve done it), you have to convince yourself every day that cracking that brief for toilet tissue that leads to some self congratulatory award is really going to be the high point of your life. In reality people just wipe their asses on it.
To the guy earning 165k, respect, whoa, but as (i think) the poster above said to me once, who I won’t name, that’s a fucking low price for your soul, your health and your mind.
it seems rip-off merchants like nirvana – sorry, before the knives come out anyone that knows, knows soundgarden were the first ‘grunge’ and sonic youth ‘the godfathers of grunge’ anyway grunge and all the shit since has produced two generations of cynical whiny biatches.
I say that growing up to the fine sounds of these bands, (under 30 too mr 165) but I’m more than happy to cop a smack in the face for listening to the beatles, bob dylan, bob marley and hendrix…
cause their music possessed something emo fags don’t have today. optimism. hope. lack of cynicism. a good on you attitude, well done.
and i think what the fuck is wrong with this place? we’re all too cool to be enthusiastic about fucking anything.
it’s the pits.
honestly, when was the last time you sincerely congratulated someone from the generosity of your heart for winning an award, winning an account or getting a new job and said ‘fuck yeah… that’s great, my friend is doing well….’
or don’t you have any friends?
1:25 – you’re not your. No wonder you doubt my prowess.
Cocksmoker.
BTW 1:25 and every other tosser. I wasn’t bragging about my salary. Demonstrating a product benefit. Difference.
Now let me crack on with these briefs this weekend cause I want to retire early.
Catch you at the RSL in 30 years.
Yeah it’s where all the busted up PTSD freaks get together.
I’ve met Mac Ops earning $165k a year, its doesn’t make you special, just a complete knob for talking about it. I would also drink with real RSL customers any day of the week rather than some left over spoof like you.
So fuck off and learn some humility.
get your hand off it.
Moral high ground – refuge of the scoundrel.
I hear they’re bringing Bernbach and Ogilvy back with a chicken and some frogs to replace them.