Mike Barnwell joins Mojo Auckland as ECD – Robert Harvey promoted to Mojo NZ group MD

November 30 2010, 2:48 pm | BY Kim Shaw | 25 Comments

Screen shot 2010-11-30 at 3.07.23 PM.jpgCB EXCLUSIVE: Mike Barnwell is joining Publicis Mojo Auckland as executive creative director filling the job left vacant by Rebecca Carrasco who departed in August after only three months.

He will join Mojo from 1 December, joining Robert Harvey (below left), who, having run ZenithOptimedia’s New Zealand business for a little over a year, takes on the expanded role of group managing director, Mojo and ZenithOptimedia New Zealand. 

Manchester-born Barnwell first came to Australia in May this year as ECD of Lowe Sydney, but left after only three months. He began his advertising career 16 years ago in South Africa, and has grown creative departments and reputations at Network BBDO, FCB, and Grey. 

Robert Harvey.JPGCraig Davis, co-chairman and chief creative officer of Mojo Australia and New Zealand said that Barnwell was the standout candidate for the Mojo Auckland ECD role and is more than equal to the challenge he has set – namely, to accelerate development of progressive integrated creative solutions for Mojo’s local, regional and international clients.

Says Davis: “Mike is a formidable talent and a good human being. He will bring his rigor, energy, integrity and craft to our New Zealand team, and give Mojo a leg-up to reclaiming its creative leadership in the region.”

Barnwell said he has nothing but respect for New Zealand’s legendary creative output and prodigious work ethic: “Mojo’s longstanding creative pedigree is well known. I’m thrilled to be a part of a team that truly understands and believes in the value of producing progressive creative work. That, coupled with working in a market that is notorious for punching well above its weight creatively, makes this an incredibly exciting opportunity.”

Barnwell’s work has been recognized with Cannes Lions, Clios, One Show and New York Festival medals of every hue, as well as two D&AD Yellow Pencils. He also has an unusual breadth of client experience, having grown auto, telco, FMCG, and financial services brands to leadership positions in their sectors.