Patts Melbourne lures new planning director Tom Ward from Clemenger Melbourne – replaces Kate Smither, who’s London bound to take the global planning lead on Dove at Ogilvy

George Patterson Y&R Melbourne has appointed Tom Ward as planning director, who replaces head of planning Kate Smither who next month moves to London to take the global planning lead on Dove at Ogilvy.

Ward was formerly a group account director at ClemengerBBDO, Melbourneleading the team on Pac Brands, Mercedes, BUPA Australia and NationalBroadband Network.

Originally from London where he worked at StLukes, Ogilvy London and TBWA, an Oxford Graduate and a member of theBlair Election team, Ward has 12 years industry experience also workingacross Sony Playstation, Muller and Emirates Airlines.

Says Jon Steel, the GPYR Vice Chairman and head of strategy: “You don’talways find the best planners working in planning departments. Tom is anatural planner, whatever it used to say on his business card, and I’mdelighted that he’s joining the team.”

“Kate has done a brilliant job for us over the past few years and we’rethrilled she has the opportunity to take up this new post,” saysY&R Brands CEO Russel Howcroft.