CMW managing director Martin Nieri is leaving the agency to become chief executive of Partners Andrews Aldridge, freeing up founder Phil Andrews to concentrate on his role as the chief operating officer for Engine Group.
CMW is now seeking a replacement, who will assume a broader set of responsibilities, including laying the plans for geographic expansion. It is currently in talks with a number of people about the role.
Nieri joined CMW from WWAV (now Rapp) a decade ago and was promoted to managing director in 2006 following the departure of co-founder Janet McKay.
A statement released by Media Square said: “While we will be sad to see Martin leave the Group, having discussed the future with him, we agreed that it was the right time for a change for both Martin and CMW. CMW has an exciting future and we believe this is a fantastic opportunity for a new individual to come in and shape CMW’s next stage of development.”
At Partners, Nieri will lead the agency’s 100-strong team, develop client relationships and work on new business.
He will work closely with Andrews, who retains the role of founding partner, to help provide strategic advice to key clients, and Steve Aldridge, the chairman and creative partner.
Andrews said: “Handing over the reins of the agency that I founded with Steve 13 years ago was never going to be easy, but in Martin we have found an exceptional leader who I am confident will take Partners into its next stage of development.”
