Clemenger BBDO loses Paul Nagy to Clems Sydney

Clemenger BBDO creative director Paul Nagy is set to leave the agency to move back across the Tasman to head up the creative department at Clemenger in Sydney alongside Mike Spirkovski, replacing Richard Maddocks, who resigned in March after two years in the job.

Clemenger BBDO CEO and ECD Philip Andrew said Mr Nagy won’t be replaced – instead, he will take on more creative leadership and is set to announce several new appointments soon.

“Paul was a rare find back in 2006,” Mr Andrew said.

“I could tell very quickly that he had that unique x-factor that only a few creative people have. I knew then that we wouldn't have him forever, despite the superior fly fishing in New Zealand.”

Mr Nagy has been instrumental in many of the Wellington agency’s new business wins – including the Rugby World Cup business of late.

“He’s helped us build a strong creatively-led agency here in Wellington.”

Mr Andrew said although the move is a loss for the Wellington agency, it’ll strengthen the BBDO trans-Tasman network further.

“I’m looking forward to making the Sydney Wellington connection an even more compelling offer for our clients.”

While Wellington had become home for Mr Nagy, personal and family circumstances mean that Sydney is the place to be.

“This agency and this city will always be very special to me and I’m thrilled that staying in the network will allow me to continue working closely with Duster and Brett [Hoskin] on our combined offer in Wellington.”

The past year has seen some ups and downs at the Wellington agency, with Clemenger retaining NZTA but resigning National Bank, and having to let staff go as a result.

However, Mr Andrew said a lot of work has gone on behind the scenes over the past 12 months in order to change the business model to meet clients’ needs.

“The Clemenger Group in Wellington is in an exciting phase with AIM and Clemenger continuing to complement each other.”

Mr Nagy was originally appointed as head of copy in early 2006, working alongside deputy creative director Mark Harricks.

In October 2007, Mr Andrew stepped back from running the creative department and promoted Mr Harricks to CD and Mr Nagy to deputy CD.

In April 2008, Mr Harricks left for Sydney and Mr Nagy took his place.

In his time, Mr Nagy has won recognition at all the main awards, from Cannes to D&AD, One Show and AWARD.