Agency appoints Creative Director, Channel Planning Director and Production Director

AIM Proximity CEO Adam Good has announced some significant new hires for the world's 2nd ranked direct agency* including a new Creative Director, Channel Planning Director and Production Director.

Michael Barnfield will join AIM Proximity in late February as Creative Director, relocating from Sydney where he is currently Creative Group Head for Saatchi & Saatchi. Michael will be leading AIM's creative department alongside ECD Nick Worthington.

Adam Good, CEO of AIM Proximity said there was considerable interest in the role thanks to the agency's high profile around the world. "Nick and I are stoked to have Michael on board. His track record speaks for itself and he'll be a great fit for the next evolution of AIM Proximity."

Michael said, "AIM Proximity is not just doing some of the best direct and digital work in New Zealand, they are showing the rest of the world how it's done. To be given the chance to be involved in their ongoing success is one that I jumped at."

Also joining the team in February is Keith Pinney as Channel Planning Director. Wellington-born Keith will be relocating to Auckland from his 22 year stint abroad, most recently in Tokyo. Keith has held a number of senior positions with the world's leading advertising and marketing agencies and is a hugely experienced media, direct and digital executive having managed multinational teams in Asia Pacific and the US.

Good says Keith is more than qualified for the role having built and managed teams from five to 30+ full time staff, serving clients such as Apple, Toyota Motor Corp, Unilever, HSBC, News Corp, LVMH and Optus/Sing-Tel to name a few.

Commenting on his appointment Keith said, "In a business environment of economic recovery, media fragmentation and the importance of the burgeoning conversation economy, now is the time to embrace doing things differently. I was extremely attracted to AIM Proximity, their work and their unique and demonstrated approach in this market. They really get this new direction, and demonstrate this with digital and data at their core. I can't wait to start."

Finally, the role of Production Director will be filled by Sharyn Howard, who will also start February. Sharyn is one of the country's most experienced direct production managers with many award-winning direct programmes under her belt.

Michael, Keith and Sharyn will join Adam Good, General Manager Jane Eagles, Head of Client Services Andy Bell and Finance Director Kyle Melnyk on AIM Proximity's management team.

"When I was appointed CEO my first priority was to find the right people to help lead the next era of AIM Proximity," said Adam. "Michael, Keith and Sharyn have the credentials and the personalities to make a big impact here at AIM and the agency looks forward to welcoming them on board and introducing them to our clients."

* 2009 Won Report. AIM Proximity ranked 2nd in the world for Direct.