Bryan Crawford, one of worldwide advertising agency FCB’s most successful executives in Asia Pacific, has been named as Vice Chairman of the network. The announcement was made by global CEO Carter Murray.
For the past eight years, Crawford has been Chairman and Group CEO of FCB Australia and New Zealand, an agency group that has received international recognition for its award-winning creative campaigns.
Joining the global management team, Crawford will report to Murray, while retaining his current role.
“Bryan’s track record in taking agencies from good to great is simply outstanding. He’s been a pillar in our Asia Pacific region for some time and we are capitalising on his talent and ensuring the wider network benefits from his expertise and leadership,’ said Murray.
He continued: “Bryan’s been the driving force behind the success of the New Zealand operation. His extensive experience within and outside the advertising sector will benefit our global team and clients.’
Crawford is the second Vice Chairman to join Murray’s management team, teaming up with Jonathan Harries, who is Vice Chairman and Global Chief Creative Officer.
Uniquely positioned to support and offer guidance to the senior leadership in major markets, especially to those who recently joined the agency, Crawford has a proven track record of an ability to build strong agency culture and has shown business acumen.
Crawford has developed FCB as one of New Zealand’s largest, fully integrated advertising, marketing and communications agencies since joining the agency as CEO in 2006.
His efforts have resulted in delivering positive change to FCB’s portfolio of brand, retail, government and media clients. Crawford was awarded New Zealand Ad Media’s CEO of the Year twice.
Said Crawford: “I’m excited about this opportunity, particularly as it comes at a time when FCB is poised to reaffirm its position as one of the world’s leading advertising networks.
“Carter’s vigour for the business and his appetite for creative and effectiveness excellence is a vision we share. I’m looking forward to working with him and the wider senior leadership team to achieve this and take our clients and team with us on this exciting journey.’
FCB New Zealand won 12 Cannes Lions in 2013, including three Gold. Ranked in the top 20 advertising agencies in the world last year, FCB held the number one position for New Zealand and recently won the sought-after Campaign Brief Agency of the Year.
