Y&R snares Whybin\TBWA NZ’s Steve Kane for managing director role to replace James Hurman

Y&R NZ has appointed Steve Kane to the role of managing director New Zealand, replacing James Hurman, whose departure was announced earlier this month.

Over the course of his career Kane has held senior positions in both NZ and the UK across a range of marketing disciplines including account management, public relations and creative.

Previously Kane spent seven years at DDB Group NZ working across the creative and PR departments. In January of last year Kane joined Whybin\TBWA where he was creative lead on ANZ Bank.

He has developed and executed highly successful and award-winning campaigns on behalf of global brands such as Microsoft, McDonald’s, Cadbury, IBM, Tiger Beer, Specsavers, Xerox as well as regional iconic brands such as ANZ Bank, Air New Zealand, Instant Kiwi, NZ Post Group and Meridian Energy.

Says Josh Moore, ECD Y&R Group: “Steve is one of the most charming and hilarious people I’ve ever met, added to those talents is a very sharp mind that’s produced a track record of success across multiple industry disciplines. I’ve no doubt that Steve will be very well loved by our clients and staff alike.”

In his new role Kane will draw upon his wide-ranging experience to harness the collected intellect, experience, sensibilities, eccentricities and humanity of Y&R NZ for the benefit of the agency’s clients.

Says Ross Goldsack, chairman Y&R Group: “Steve is unique in our industry. He has an excellent track record across three disciplines – public relations, ad agency suiting and ad agency creative, and he has excelled at all three. I was impressed with his ability to get great work out, work with creatives, provide incredibly good leadership to teams and to earn the respect of the clients.”

Says James Hurman: “Steve’s a perfect fit for the culture at Y&R, which has thrived because of people with an interest across the spectrum of what we provide for clients. When Josh suggested Steve, my gut said yes.”

Says Kane: “Naturally I’m thrilled to be joining Y&R at a very exciting time in the agency’s rebirth. Josh and James have assembled a cracking team of talented and committed people who genuinely care about delivering creative and commercial results for their clients.”