OMD gets a Bale out
Matt Bale, self-proclaimed media junkie, digital zealot, part-time fictional gangster and general manager at OMD Wellington, has confirmed he will be leaving the agency in September to take on “new challenges, etc.”
Bale, who has been with OMD for four-and-a-half years and was promoted to general manager in 2007 when OMD New Zealand, Media Direction OMD and Clemenger BBDO Wellington’s media department were brought under the one OMD New Zealand umbrella, says “it’s a good time move on to the next thing because the business is in good shape”. And, in news that will presumably disappoint the rumour mongers, he says he’s leaving on very good terms. It’s just time for a change, he says.
As for his future plans, he says nothing is cemented yet. He’s just keen for the usual combination of catching his breath and spending a bit more time with the fam. On the job front, he says there’s nothing specific to report yet, but he’s aiming to work somewhere in the digital space.
While digital has long promised the goods, it still hasn’t quite realised its potential. But Bale believes it is moving closer to the front of the pack fairly quickly in New Zealand so, for him, it’s the logical area to focus on. And, with the likes of Special Group and Orcon’s ‘living office‘ web banner (which gets Bale’s tick of approval) it seems the utility of digital and the ideas of advertising are finally starting to mesh.
But still, as Bale says “when you can do everything, anywhere, understanding the right thing to do at the right moment is important”.
Micheal
August 18, 2010
Wow big loss for OMD in the Capital, Matt is their driving force and brains. Looking forward to seeing what the Godfather does next.
Matt Enthusiast
August 18, 2010
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
John
August 18, 2010
As a former client of Matts I can safely say he would do bloody well to go out on his own, and OMD in Wellington will be much weaker with him gone. Now they will seem just like every other media agency in town The business may be strong now but without Matts input will it continue to be…
All the same good move Matt.
DH
August 18, 2010
Wow big news, there is a good crew at OMD in Wellington but Matt will be a big loss. He gets us all eating Whittakers chocolate then heads off into the sunset…Nah not Bales style stay tuned I reckon, the Don is up to something!
Matt fan (media supplier)
August 19, 2010
A big loss to the "firm" but good on you Matt! .
Suicidal in Wellington
August 19, 2010
After reading this article about Mr Bale leaving OMD, it is now obvious to me that there infact no God.
JD
August 19, 2010
Interesting how the media sector is following the creative sector where increasingly senior well respected operators are striking out on their own. This is great for clients as they benefit from having direct access to the brains trust, a dedicated service and all without the huge overheads.
All the best Matt.
RJ
August 19, 2010
Think its a bit of an overstatement to say that with Bale gone OMD will be just another media agency. If the fate of OMD wellington had been resting on one man's shoulders I doubt very much OMD would be in the dominant position its in now. I know many of the OMD team and while Bale will be a loss, it will be an opportunity for some of their other stars to step into the limelight.
Peter
August 19, 2010
I agree with RJ. An agency is not one person and I'd suggest it's the hard work and dedication of the team around Bale that actually drives the success of an agency like OMD. It's important to look through the 'talk' and discover the facts of who's really been delivering for OMD's clients.
KJ
August 19, 2010
Whilst I agree with RJ & Peters point about OMD Wellington being more than one person, they have heaps of talent, clearly Peter & RJ have never worked with Matt, he puts the team first always, and is so respected because he does walk the walk not just 'talk' and always gets the best of those around him. All the best Matty!
Media observer
August 19, 2010
I heard a really interesting saying from a senior brand planner recently: "Creatives are obsessed about ideas, Suits about business, and Media about people and gossip". The amount of interest created from a single person resigning seems to support this.
Matt Bale
August 19, 2010
So right you are Media Observer…but regardless thanks for all the comments, even the weird ones I guess but its all a bit over the top to be honest.
For the record OMD's success in Wellington is a combination of a lot of great people, brave clients, good creative & media partners and a lot of bloody hard work. I'm proud to be leaving a place stacked with first class media talent and will miss them all dearly, plus the succession plan is well in hand with Matt McNeil, no stranger to tropical Wellington, re-joining the team here from Mediacom in the UK, so sorry to be bearer of bad news but OMD Wellington will be strong as ever.
In this game teamwork is often the difference and so to the team here should go any and all compliments offered.
But I'm not dead yet so see you round….but lets close this down and get back to something a little more interesting…
M
Jess
August 20, 2010
Great reply Matt. Ok everyone…back to watching the Orcon banner!
Kyle
August 20, 2010
Dont you mean click, …..hit the back button, click and repeat
Jill
August 20, 2010
Wow! Big news. Congrats to both Matt Bale and McNeil. Both of you are awesome and any agency would be lucky to have either one. Will watch with interest.
Hammers
August 20, 2010
How about a move to AKL Matt? the weather's warmer up here ;)