Clemenger BBDO Chief Technology Officer Mark Gretton departs after nearly a decade

Clemenger BBDO’s chief technology officer, Mark Gretton, has left the agency after nearly a decade, as the group undertakes a strategic realignment and finalises Omnicom Group’s global acquisition of IPG Mediabrands.

Gretton first joined CHEP back in September 2016, shortly before the agency opened its martech arm. Over the years, he guided the technology group through major transformations, from leading CHE Proximity’s digital consulting practice, to stepping up as its first chief technology officer in 2019. Most recently, Gretton oversaw its integration into the broader Clemenger network.

His departure comes as part of a rebuild inside Clemenger, with leadership citing a need to simplify and evolve the agency’s operating structure for greater collaboration and growth.

Reflecting on his exit, Gretton wrote on LinkedIn: “10 years ago, I was convinced that I’d never work in an agency again. After spending the first 12 years of my career working with some of the best creative leaders in the world, I had grown tired of the silo’d nature of agency services.

“It was Chris Howatson’s vision for a more modern, technology-forward, full-service agency experience that got me back. MarTech was a new space back then and as someone that enjoys creating simplicity from complexity, I agreed to build a new practice.

“CHEP kicked ass. It was a beautiful marriage of right and left brain thinking where data scientists, creatives, experience designers, media and technology specialists all had an equal seat at the table. I loved the people and the feeling of symbiosis across the capabilities. I loved the ‘power of the network / spirit of an independent’ culture and decision-making freedom. As CHEP merged into BBDO, ensuring the best possible pathway for the technology people that I have been lucky enough to call my team into the new Omnicom Oceania world and beyond has been a really important task for me as a leader.

“But if there is one certain thing in life, it’s change. The industry is obviously going through arguably its biggest ever evolution. Whilst I’m really energised by the potential of the new agentic marketing world, I’m also ready to take a breath for a few months. I’ve talked about living through “merger Inception” for a while now and it’s a hard world to operate in. The work that Nick Garrett and team is doing is immense though and I have no doubt that it will see Omnicom Oceania emerge as a more connected powerhouse than ever before.

“So much love to all wonderful people I’ve worked with over the last decade (far too many to mention, but you know who you are) and look forward to connecting in the New Year once I’ve enjoyed my first extended break in quite a while!”

A spokeperson from Clemenger BBDO confirmed Gretton’s departure in a statement saying: “Mark has been a valued senior leader whose contribution to our technology capability has been significant and deeply appreciated. His departure comes as the group continues to simplify and evolve its operating structure across key capability areas. These changes are designed to create clearer pathways for collaboration, delivery, and growth across the network.

“We want to acknowledge Mark’s impact, his leadership, and the expertise he has brought to the team. We thank him for his commitment and wish him every success in what comes next.”

Gretton’s exit follows a number of senior departures across the agency as the business realigns its core capabilities. Meanwhile, Omnicom is streamlining its operations in Oceania, combining media, creative, performance, production and PR under a unified P&L structure.

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