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The only woman heading a major New Zealand advertising agency - DDB Group managing director Sharon Henderson - has lost the top job after just 15 months to deputy Sandy Moore.
Moore was yesterday appointed over Henderson's head, although Henderson will remain with the agency in a senior role.
The change follows a period of sustained growth at DDB but one that has included tension with DDB's biggest client, fast-food giant McDonald's.
Moore is an advertising industry veteran who has been with DDB for 17 years and has been the No 2 at the growing advertising group since 2002.
DDB Group's Australian and New Zealand chief executive, Marty O'Halloran, said that the change was prompted by DDB recently winning the NZ Lotteries Commission advertising account.
After leading the win, Henderson will be increasing her focus on DDB clients, and growing and building DDB as a business and a brand.
"She strengthens her role to focus on core DDB business, including responsibility for some of the group's biggest accounts," O'Halloran said. She would also be responsible for Tribal DDB and integrated thinking within the group.
However O'Halloran confirmed that Moore would be in charge of the New Zealand group.
The agency's high-profile creative director, Paul Catmur, left in December to become head of creative for the rival Y & R Advertising agency covering Australia and New Zealand.
O'Halloran rejected a suggestion that DDB had not been dealing with issues with clients.
It is understood there has been debate about the advertising approach for McDonald's in New Zealand compared with the strong growth that has been occurring with its Australian operations.
There have also been management changes at the fast-food giant.
McDonald's New Zealand managing director, Grainne Troute, left in September to be replaced by Mark Hawthorne. McDonald's New Zealand marketing manager, Ian Sutcliffe, leaves in June and is expected to be replaced internally.
