Capgemini ANZ is integrating The Works creative agency into its business, Mediaweek can confirm.
A Capgemini spokesperson clarified to Mediaweek that, contrary to media reports, The Works is not closing but being integrated into the agency. However, the existential implications for The Works, which has offices in Sydney and Auckland, remain uncertain.
The move has reportedly led to a series of redundancies affecting at least half the agency. Partner Douglas Nicol has confirmed his departure while creative partner Damian Pincus and managing director Julie Dormand are also said to have departed.
Nicol confirmed his departure in a statement on LinkedIn.
“After 18 wonderful years, I have made the decision to leave The Works,” he said.
“After selling the business to Capgemini in 2017 we have been bringing the various Capgemini skills closer and closer together to offer clients a wider range of services. This feels like the right time to hand over to the next generation of awesome young leaders in our business.”
Nicol stated that after a period of consulting for The Works two days a week, he plans to split his time on paid consulting work, and offering pro bono support to organisations he cares about.
Jerome Gaslain, who was recently promoted to The Works’ growth creation partner, will lead the remaining team.
“As we are in the process of integrating The Works into Capgemini AUNZ, we are preparing our organisation to ensure we meet the evolving needs of our clients and the market,” the spokesperson told Mediaweek.
“Jerome Gaslain will oversee the team as they continue to focus on delivering great outcomes to our clients.”
The Works was founded by Pincus and Kevin Macmillan in 2002 and was acquired by ASX-listed digital consulting business RXP in 2017 for $33 million. At the time, Pincus commented: “Thank goodness they didn’t sell to a multinational.”
In March 2021, Capgemini, a French multinational information tech services and consulting company, acquired RXP in a $95 million deal, expanding its operations in Australia and New Zealand. The deal brought Capgemini and RXP’s combined workforce to over 2,000 people in Australia.
Following the acquisition, Luc-Francois Salvador, executive chairman of Capgemini in Asia Pacific and the Middle East, said:
“This transaction will be a step change for Capgemini in Australia and illustrates Capgemini’s growth ambition in Asia Pacific.
“Both companies share similar values and vision of the role of technology and humanity in successfully transforming businesses and society. Our strengths will enable us to use insights, design and technology to create inclusive and sustainable futures for our clients.”
The fate of The Works and its remaining staff amid the integration is yet still unknown. Only last December, the agency announced the promotions of Dormand to managing director, Jen Hird to general manager of operations, Rosie Carey to creative project leader, Tim Brothers to creative lead, and Maria Nguyen to finance and HR admin director.
In September, Claire Stapleton was promoted to creative director.
More to come.
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Top Image (L-R): Damian Pincus, Julie Dormand, Jerome Gaslain, Claire Stapleton