Clint Bratton returns to New Zealand to take up managing director role at Proximity NZ as Chris Pescott departs CEO role after three years

Clemenger Group has appointed marketing leader Clint Bratton (pictured above), who will return to the group as managing director of Proximity NZ, following a competitive international search for an experienced agency leader.

The appointment comes as Proximity’s chief executive Chris Pescott is set to farewell the firm after three years at the helm during which time he brought together .99 and Just1 under one brand at Proximity.

Bratton joins the Clemenger Group New Zealand company from Sydney, Australia, where he was national managing director at TRACK DDB. Prior to this, Bratton was general manager at Digitas Affinity ID, following the acquisition of his own firm, Plus Marketing Australia, which he founded in 2007.

Bratton’s expertise in leveraging data and technology to forge stronger connections between customers and brands has earned him recognition as a visionary in the industry. With a remarkable 25-year career in agency leadership roles, Bratton brings a wealth of experience, insights and creativity back to his roots in New Zealand.

Says Strahan Wallis, CEO, Clemenger Group New Zealand: “Clint previously worked at Proximity and played a significant role in crafting legendary campaigns that shaped the agency’s success in the early 2000s – I know because I was a client at the time!

“Clint is a world-class agency leader and his colleagues and clients absolutely rave about him – we’re thrilled to welcome him back to lead Proximity into its future.

“Clint has consistently delivered award-winning campaigns and demonstrated an uncanny ability to drive growth for his clients’ businesses. He firmly believes that managing relationships and showcasing demonstrable, measurable growth are indispensable for agency success in today’s dynamic market and that is what clients want.”

Speaking about his return to Proximity NZ, Bratton says: “It’s a privilege to return to New Zealand and take the helm of Proximity, an agency I deeply respect and cherish. I am excited to collaborate with the exceptional team here and, together, create groundbreaking campaigns that resonate with audiences and drive tangible results for our clients.”

Strahan also praised Pescott (pictured above) for his leadership: “Chris has brought strong leadership and a growth mindset to Proximity and its clients which has supported its transformation over the last few years. We wish him all the best in the next stage of his career. He also bought us Perceptive, the data, research and insights company that he founded 19 years ago – so this is indeed a significant step for him, and we are grateful to Chris for his leadership and contribution over many years.”

Pescott will remain an advisor to the group and is supporting the leadership transition over coming weeks.

Bratton will join Proximity from September after vacating his post as national managing director at TRACK DDB.