Following big account losses Grey Melbourne parts ways with Nigel Dawson and Pete Becker
UPDATED
CB Exclusive – Following the loss of TAC to Clemenger BBDO, Melbourne and Worksafe Victoria – also tipped to go to Clems – highly awarded creative director Nigel Dawson has departed Grey, Melbourne together with equally highly awarded art director Peter Becker and general manager Randal Glennon.
Dawson (above right) had been at Grey for seventeen years, joining the agency in 1996. Becker (above left) had been at Grey for seven years, joining in August 2006, and before that had an awarded 24 year stint at Clemenger BBDO, Melbourne.
Dawson told CB: “Inevitably it’s a time for cliches. I had a fantastic run at Grey, but all good things come to an end. Grey kept me young for 17 years and we produced some terrific work, not all of it for TAC; Schmackos, Mitre 10, Razzamatazz, Goodyear and many others.
“And make no mistake, post-TAC Grey will regroup and prosper with Luke and Michael leading the way. Don’t believe the nonsensical rumours.
“But TAC was the reason for my going to Grey, and the reason for leaving. The people we worked with at TAC were remarkable; loyal, challenging, respectful and single-mindedly driven. The absolute highlight has been to see the road toll descend year after year culminating in the astonishing low in 2013.
“And I’ve made some great buddies at Grey, two of whom leave with me. Now the Three Wise Men, Pete, Randal and I, are ready for whatever comes next. Once we’ve finished smelling the roses we’re open to offers, collectively and individually: pdbecker@bigpond.net.au, randalglennon@gmail.com and nigelkdawson@gmail.com.”
19 Comments
Balls.
I don’t understand why a client would leave an agency where they are the most important brand in the building, to sit at the bottom of the pile somewhere else.
There is no way Clemenger can offer the same amount of attention and quality work that these guys have delivered over the years.
Just frankly unbelievable.
Hopefully Clems will employ them.
Worksafe too? It’s a one-horse town.
Not healthy.
Without Nigel Grey will be nothing. Get your resumes out people.
Hi Nigel,
I’m really thankful I got the opportunity to work with you. I really enjoyed it. Best of luck with whats next. All the best, Adam.
Seriously wrong.
Throwing the babies (albeit very experienced babies) out with the bathwater.
Will the suits be bringing in creative bean counters like they doing with agency producers? Out with the Old in in with the ones we can control.
That or I sense Tony Abbott’s hand in this.
This is all Abbott’s fault. Two brilliant creatives getting treated like the barrier reef.
Good luck, gentlemen
Nigel took an interest in me 20+ years ago when I was a gromet art director. I’m now an ECD, thanks in part to his encouragement and kindness. Integrity always rises. Loyalty will follow from his former team and clients.
Thanks Peter and Nigel, for all you’ve given to produce some truly great work. You’ve made advertising history for all the brilliant work, so I hope some of the CEO’s and ECD’s out there are smart enough to utilize you to create more great campaigns out of this country. Best of luck, and thanks for all the lives you’ve saved with the TAC campaigns.
Almost 20 years ago Nigel gave me my first shot in advertising at Mattingly & Partners.
I’ll never forget the mostly grunted comments of support for my work over the years.
One of the very best in this town.
simply the best
Worked with Nigel on a pitch 5 years ago – he was a lovely, genuine guy and is a real talent as his extensive work demonstrates.
Qualities like that don’t come along too often.
Nigel was my CD for three years. A gruff fellow but the smartest CD I’ve ever worked for. Probably also the most well-read person I have met. I learned more from him about our business and the craft of copywriting than any other.
He, Randall and all the other Grey team worked as true partners with TAC in order to reduce the deaths and injuries on our roads. Everything was about changing the behaviour of road users. The awards came as a result.
I worked with Pete at Clemenger. There is no finer nor nicer gentleman in our business. Talented as all heck and he can play the guitar, too.
I wish them, along with all the others who have left Grey, the very best.
Well done you three. Road toll down as well. Nice exit.
If I were a client I’d be sending you an email.
My first ever job in advertising was working at Grey with Ant, Nigel, Randal and Jane were at the helm, and it is still 10 years on the best place I have ever worked. Such great memories, such incredible people. Thanks for the good times.
All the best guys, it was great to work with you. Enjoy the queue of new offers!
Me Waldron deserves a Grand Prix for removing Krusty the Clown after 17 years of infestation.