Senior staff Gavin and Straw exit 303Lowe

Long-serving Business Director Donna-Maree Gavin is leaving and Joint CD Steve Straw  has left 303Lowe Perth.

Gavin has decided on a career change working in the social services area. She is undertaking a degree in Social Work and has been volunteering at a prison as an adjunct to her studies.

“It’s been a privilege to work at what I believe is the best agency in this wonderful industry in WA,” said Gavin. “303Lowe is my home, the people are my family, and saying goodbye is one of the most painful decisions I’ve had to make, however it’s also going to be a rewarding career choice for me going forward. It’s not just my friends and colleagues I’ll miss, but a whole host of people in the industry – from my fantastic clients to the media and production suppliers. Thanks to everyone I’ve ever met and worked with that has made my 15 years in advertising the most fun and successful.”

Gavin is working with the agency two days a week for July and will finish up on Friday August 1. Straw finished with the agency last Friday.

Highly regarded and a multi award winner, Straw was regional creative director on the Unilever business at Lowe Singapore when he joined the agency in mid-2011 and teamed up with Richard Berney as associate creative directors. In September last year, the pair were elevated to Joint CDs.

303Lowe Managing Director Alan Taylor said the departures were occurring within the context of a re-structuring of the agency.

“Over the past few months we have undergone some big changes in here at 303Lowe. We are flattening our structure and exploring how we can work differently and better with our clients. The market is changing and we want to be in front of it.

“Everyone in here has been on the journey with us. It’s been a very honest conversation and it has opened the door for some people to think about their future as we plan ours. For some it’s been an opportunity to think about what their next steps may be, whether they are with us or somewhere else and we are very supportive of this.

“One of our stalwarts of the business who has been here for ten-and-a-half years has decided to leave and pursue her passion for social work and we are all for it. You could fill a whole issue of Campaign Brief on Donna-Maree. She is – as everyone knows – a big personality and a wonderful, funny, infectious, spirited and passionate person. She is also the consummate professional and a great practitioner. She has made a big contribution to our business in many ways and we will all miss her. But, she has discovered a new calling and you can only support her and wish her all the best – and we know she will be brilliant at it too.

“As part of this process Steve Straw is also moving on from the business. Steve is a wonderful Creative Director and writer and we have been very lucky to have him part of the business for the past 2 years. It’s great news that Steve is remaining in Perth with his family and will continue to be part of our industry here.”

Creative Director Richard Berney echoed Taylor’s thoughts on Straw.

“Steve Straw is a Creative Director who listens – sometimes a rare find in this industry! He is a great example of how you can be a passionate doer, as well a kind and considered thinker.”