Prior to joining Ogilvy & Mather, Kidney was executive producer at R/GA New York. He ran Nike and was responsible for all aspects of the account including digital production for global Golf, North American Football and Men’s Athletic Training.
In addition to Nike, Kidney created digital experiences and campaigns for Google, YouTube and locally, AAMI Insurance, Telstra and Westpac Bank.
Clemenger BBDO Melbourne CEO Nick Garrett said the agency undertook an international search to find a suitable digital leader.
“The wonderful irony is that there was someone sitting right down St Kilda Road,” said Garrett. “Ben’s knowledge and experience across technology and operations is impressive, but what excited James McGrath [Creative Chairman] and I the most about him was his love of ideas.”
In March, the agency appointed Gayle While as head of CRM. Garrett said the agency is undergoing a positive cultural and structural change and that both hires will play a pivotal role in continuing that.