Y&R has announced Peter Bosilkovski has been appointed as regional chief executive officer for Australia and New Zealand.
Bosilkovski replaces Phil McDonald who has resigned from the agency to pursue other opportunities.
Bosilkovski was most recently chief executive officer of Leo Burnett Sydney where he worked for nine years.
WPP and AUNZ chief executive Mike Connaghan says it’s fantastic to have someone of Bosilkovski’s calibre lead Y&R, adding that he’s worked with him and knows his passion and drive, which is something he has admired.
“He’s back where he belongs. Pete’s a strong leader, a clear thinker and someone who makes things happen. Pete’s experience in transforming an advertising business for the modern era has equipped him well to lead Y&R into the future.”
Bosilkovski says of his appointment: “Y&R is an iconic creative brand, so when this opportunity came along, I jumped at it. I’m really looking forward to working with some of the great talents in the industry and leading the national and cross-Tasman agency.”
Connaghan says McDonald leaves the agency in good shape, and the company thanks him for his commitment and hard work since taking on the chief executive role.
“He took the reins at a tough time for the business. He’s made a strong contribution to the agency and has played an important part in growing both its client base and capabilities.”
McDonald says he has thoroughly enjoyed working with the wonderful people and clients of Y&R Australia and New Zealand.
“In my time as regional chief executive officer, we have reinvented our business across five cities, won awards all over the world, attracted some great new clients and some of the best talent in the industry.
McDonald adds that the agency is well set up, and after 11 years at Y&R, he feels it is the right time to move on to a new opportunity which will be announced in the coming weeks.
David Patton, global president of Y&R, says he wanted to thank Phil for his many contributions to Y&R.
“I have very much enjoyed working with him and wish him every success for the future. I’m very excited that Pete is joining our agency – I have no doubt his strong experience and high energy will take our business and our clients’ businesses to new heights of achievement. It’s a very exciting time to be joining Y&R.”