Sproule Leaving AKQA SF, Heading to NYC? (Updated: Yes)

Kiran Aditham — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 12:24:04 +0000

Hmm, well this little memo purportedly written by AKQA chairman Tom Bedecarre seems to indicate that the WPP-owned agency’s San Francisco managing director Stuart Sproule is moving on from the Bay Area and heading to our home turf. We’re of course trying to verify the matter with said agency, but here’s what we got below, verbatim:

“Anchors Aweigh, my boys, Anchors Aweigh. Farewell to college joys, we sail at break of day, ‘ay ‘ay ‘ay…

After 12 years of loyal and dedicated service to AKQA, Stuart Sproule has made the reluctant decision to pursue a new career and life opportunity in New York City. Fulfilling a long-held desire to return to Madison Avenue where he started his advertising career at JWT, Stuart will be joining TBWA as President of their global Digital Arts Network, which includes a team of 700 digital specialists across 18 TBWA offices.

February 28th will be Stuart’s last day at AKQA and because he has been busy making plans to move his family to New York, he won’t be back in San Francisco for several weeks — at which time I will be hosting a farewell reception so that we can properly send off Stuart with our best wishes and thanks for his many contributions to AKQA.

Until we meet once more, Stuart, here’s wishing you a happy voyage — to your new — home!

Best regards,
Tom

–
Tom Bedecarre
Chairman”

Sproule, along with several others, was promoted by AKQA last year and took on the role of managing director, international operations & talent.

Update: It’s confirmed and Sproule joins Digital Arts Network on March 1 and will be based in New York. See statement after the jump.

continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

AKQA On a Promotion Spree?

Kiran Aditham — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 14:41:16 +0000

Over the last hour, a couple of tipsters have sent us what appears to be a brief memo sent from AKQA founder Ajaz Ahmed to staff regarding a slew of new promotions across the board from San Francisco to Amsterdam. We’re checking with the newly christened WPP agency to get some verification on the matter, but you can see the note verbatim for yourself below of what the new leadership looks like at the digital network.

“Team,

In recognition of their contribution to our clients and company, I’m delighted to announce a number of promotions that are effective immediately.

Please join me in congratulating the team:

- Guy Wieynk promoted to Vice President, International
- Stuart Sproule promoted to Managing Director, International Operations & Talent
- Simon Jefferson promoted to Managing Director, San Francisco
- Erik Rogstad promoted to Managing Director, Washington DC
- Scott Symonds promoted to Managing Director, Media
- Matthew Bain promoted to Managing Director, Amsterdam

These promotions give us more agility, organisation and focus as we work together to unlock the tremendous opportunities ahead.

With thanks and best wishes,
Ajaz.”

Let’s give you a little background on a few of these folks if you need. Wieynk has served as AKQA European MD and was tasked with leading the newly opened Paris office at the beginning of the year. Symonds has been with AKQA for five years, joining from Agency.com and Sproule has had an 11-year run at AKQA, most recently serving as MD for the San Francisco and Shanghai offices.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Stuart Sproule - AgencySpy

Sproule Leaving AKQA SF, Heading to NYC? (Updated: Yes)

AKQA On a Promotion Spree?