Aussie expat adman Chris Clarke resigns from SapientNitro to launch venture capital project
SapientNitro has announced the departure of Aussie expat Chris Clarke as executive director and co-chief creative officer of the integrated marketing and technology services company.
In the nearly two years since Sapient acquired Nitro Group, the agency that Clarke founded, Clarke has been partnering with co-chief creative officer Gaston Legorburu to combine brand-led thinking and above-the-line creative with the company’s deep digital marketing and technology expertise. Clarke also has served as a strategic advisor on key accounts.
Shortly following the June 2009 acquisition of Nitro Group, Sapient re-branded its marketing and commerce division as SapientNitro and solidified its unique breed of insight-led, through-the-line creativity enabled by deep technology. Since then, SapientNitro has been recognized as a game changer, as evidenced by recent accolades from Forrester Research, OMMA, and Ad Age, as well as having one of the best organic growth rates in the industry.
Clarke’s next endeavor is the creation of a new style of venture capital group — with two pending brand launches in 2011 — with investor Ray Chambers of Wesray Capital and Chris Burch, co-founder of Tory Burch and founder and strategic investor in multiple technology and luxury brands, including Voss Water and Powermat. In addition, Clarke will remain engaged with SapientNitro through a strategic consulting arrangement.
“SapientNitro is a unique company with an amazingly talented group of people who are shaping the future of the marketing communications industry,” said Clarke. “While I will greatly miss being part of a company with such innovative thinkers and market momentum, I simply could not turn down the opportunity to lead another start-up. My biggest passion is in launching and growing successful companies, a practice to which I will now get to devote myself.”
“It’s been a real pleasure to work with Chris during these past couple of years. His entrepreneurial spirit and passion have been valuable,” said Alan Herrick, president and chief executive officer of Sapient. “I’m pleased that Chris will continue to have a relationship with the company. In the years following the Nitro acquisition, SapientNitro has made great strides toward our ambition of changing the way that brands and consumers interact in both marketing and commerce, and Chris has been an important part of that journey. People who know Chris recognize that he is an entrepreneur at heart, and we fully expect him to succeed in his new endeavor.”
Clarke will continue to hold posts on the boards of the Millennium Promise and Malaria No More, two charities in which SapientNitro continues to be active.
12 Comments
I wouldn’t necessarily advocate his management style, but the guy is a brilliant entrepreneur and leader. He also has exceptional judgement and timing, so I’d suggest this is an interesting reflection on SapientNitro’s business.
Sean, I’m surprised you have nothing to add?
Sapient nitro is nothing. The only and I say ‘only’ good wok they did was the ‘best job in the world’ campaign. Sadly, and as much as I’d hate to say it, was probably Sean’s influence.
Po Po shut us down….down
Oh no, I’ve split my pants again. No, but seriously, it’s been the best part of 3 weeks, are Cummins Thingummyjig still in business?
Lord Sutch
Apologies from CumminsThingummyjig. they’re are too busy working on automotive to fix your pants.
Oi, Sutch, it was ME who was famous for splitting my pants, you monster raving looney.
First Sean. Now Chris. I’m sure the Sapient fellows feel positively weightless now that those two have departed.
Me thinky that Sapient not play no nicey nice.
What a load of bitter crap.
Chris has done exceptionally well – you can knock his style, but he was the first Aussie to take a creative agency into true boutique global territory. He established an enviable presence in China when others were only dreaming about it. He consistently picked up some of the worlds best brands – and took them with him into new territories like Russia and Brazil. He sold to an awesome brand – and embraced digital at the right time – not too early, right on time.
He convinced Sean to sell which no doubt helped seal the deal for Sapient with Cummins client list and reputation.
He did all that while raising two kids on his own after his wife died.
I’d watch this space. And I’d put money on the fact he couldn’t care less what a bunch of land-locked Aussie creatives think right now.
Fair comment Flower but if only people knew how Clarke really got there!
The truth will prevail…
Can you tell us now Jodi?