Wells quits

303 Advertising managing director Stephen Wells has resigned after 12 years with the agency.

The surprise announcement follows a difficult year for the local advertising industry which has sustained a 30 per cent cut in Government spending.

It was also a record year for client pitches which saw 303 lose both the HBF account and BankWest.

303 is also waiting on the results of the Office of Road Safety tender and the $3 million WA Tourism Commission account is up for tender next month.

“Clearly this is a big decision and not one taken lightly,” Mr Wells said.

“It is for me though the right time to move on. I am extremely proud of the work we have done and the contribution we have made to the industry.”

Mr Wells has also stepped down from his position as the WA chairman of the Advertising Federation Australia in response to what he claims is a lack of support from the major agencies in town.

It’s understood he will pursue other business interests following the June 30 departure date.