Hogan leaves WWAV to join Proximity as managing partner

by Daniel Farey-Jones, Brand Republic 11-Mar-05, 07:00

LONDON – Proximity London has poached Matt Hogan from WWAV Rapp Collins, where he was client service director on British Gas to become managing partner with responsibility across a number of client accounts including Sainsbury's and Volkswagen.

Prior to joining WWAV in 2001, Hogan worked in Sydney for three years in the direct marketing arm of George Patterson Bates, Australia's largest advertising agency and part of the Bates network.

He was employed as a communications director working on the Olympic Games and was responsible for helping develop and execute the DM strategy to sell the domestic tickets. The campaign saw more tickets sold to the games than any other before.

Before going to Australia, Hogan worked at Carlson and Wunderman Cato Johnson.

Hogan said: "I couldn't resist the opportunity to work at Proximity which has, I believe, the strongest integrated planning department in London. The challenges facing Sainsbury's and, in particular, its intention to increase its turnover by £2.5bn over the coming three years will be tough but I'm relishing the prospect of getting my teeth stuck in."

The future of the Sainsbury's account is uncertain following reports that the client is working with the Haystack Group on a direct marketing review alongside its current creative agency review. Sainsbury's has denied it is reviewing the direct account.

Amanda Phillips, director of client service at Proximity, said: "Matt is a great addition to our senior team. His strategic reputation is fantastic and we are delighted he has joined us."

If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the Forum.