Code of Ethics & Practice Note
October 7, 2020IPG Mediabrands global Brand Safety Officer on CSR and data
October 14, 2020Thank you Steady!
This week we heard the news that John Steedman (aka Steady), Chief Operating Officer at WPP, is retiring after 45 years in the marketing industry. I am sure every marketer will join me and the rest of the AANA in personally thanking him and wish him a long, happy & healthy retirement. Indeed this deserves a celebration because there are two amazing things about Steady’s announcement.
Firstly, here is an industry leader who has chosen when & how to go. Retiring on your own terms is a great way to move on. This is almost unheard of for our industry where most senior leaders are suddenly out of a job with many who are never heard of again. Secondly, a career spanning 45 years. What can you say? Unprecedented might be an over used word in this COVID world right now but I am sure 45 years is unheard of for an employee of the modern industry, certainly not in these times. The marketing industry has more than its fair share of short tenures & job casualties so when someone of Steady’s knowledge & experience leaves our industry, you wonder how it will be replaced and whether their successors can avoid re-inventing & rediscovering the things that Steady will take away with him? I hope not and I know he has mentored many smart people around him.
So a happy farewell to you Steady. I know many fellow marketers will share this sentiment. Over your tenure you have put a lot of good things into this industry and no doubt had a positive influence on the business outcome of many of Australia’s top brands. As a calm voice of reason, your influence & counsel has been significant and wise. And across 45 years? Well, that’s a hard act to follow. All the best.
John Broome
CEO AANA