Claire Fenner has resigned from her role as national chief executive officer of Atomic 212°, with her final day at the independent media agency on 31 October
A new national chief executive officer of Atomic 212° will be announced shortly.
She joined the independent media agency in 2014 as media director and later became Sydney general manager. Fenner was appointed Melbourne managing director in 2018 and national chief executive officer in February 2023.
Fenner said of her time at the agency: “After an amazing 10 years at Atomic 212°, I’ve achieved so many goals and had so much success. I’m looking forward to having more time to focus on my family in my next adventure. It’s a decision that doesn’t come lightly, as I have come to consider many members of the Atomic 212° team family.
“We’ve had a phenomenal journey together and achieved unmatched success. I’m incredibly proud to be leaving Atomic 212° as the number one independent media agency.
“Thank you to all the brilliant, talented people in the business and, in particular, the incredible senior leadership team who have all played an instrumental role in the success of Atomic 212° and the success of our client partnerships.
“Thank you to our partners, our clients. We have been so fortunate to attract and work with such valued partners who truly understand what partnership is and are a pleasure to work with every day, working together towards a common goal. We have thrived off the success of your businesses,” she said.
Rory Heffernan and Claire Fenner
“Thank you to the media partners who backed us and supported us in the early days and continue to support us to this day. You have been true partners and helped us drive meaningful outcomes for our clients.
“Thank you to Rory Heffernan. We have had a lot of success together over the years and it’s been a pleasure to work alongside you and watch you grow as a leader. I’m grateful for our friendship and your support over the years,” Fenner said.
“I’m forever grateful for the incredible partnership that Barry, James and I have enjoyed over the past 10 years. It’s truly unique to find two business partners who you respect, can trust and consider friends. Thank you for an exceptional journey and all of your support over the years.
“I wish all of you every success in the future and I’m excited to see what the future brings for Atomic 212°,” Fenner added.
Barry O’Brien
Barry O’Brien OAM, Atomic 212° chairman, said: “I’m sad to farewell Claire, but I respect her decision to step down and focus on other interests. In the almost 11 years she has been part of Atomic 212°, Claire has built an incredible team and done a remarkable job in producing strong results for our clients, developing our people and helping make us the most successful independent media agency in Australia.
“It’s been a true pleasure to work with Claire over the years. She leaves Atomic 212° with everyone’s sincere thanks and all the very, very best wishes for the future.”
James Dixon, Atomic 212° chief data officer and partner, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Claire for more than 10 years. She is an incredible, person partner and friend whose legacy is leaving us as the #1 indie.”
James Dixon
Fenner has accured an impressive list of industry and trade media accolades to her name, among them being ranked in the top 10 on Mediaweek’s Agency Power List.
Atomic 212° has grown strongly over the past year with a series of client wins and retentions including BlueScope, Great Wall Motor, BMW Australia and New Zealand, Bupa, the Northern Territory Government, Tourism Northern Territory, Northern Territory Major Events Company, Darrell Lea, Victoria University, My Muscle Chef, Vet Partners, Adyen and UKG.
Atomic 212° won Global Independent Agency of the Year (Media) and Global Digital Innovation Agency of the Year in Campaign’s Global Agency of the Year Awards announced in June 2024, and won Best Agency Culture and Talent (more than 100 awards) at the 2024 MFA Awards in September.
It also ranked #1 among independent agencies in Australia in new business wins, including client retentions, according to the FY 2023 report from COMvergence.
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Top image: Claire Fenner