TFM Digital has appointed Tim Harper-Russell as its general manager.
He joined the independent agency after six years with Wavemaker, where he was group business director, overseeing a portfolio of key accounts, including Domino’s, Caltex, Tourism Whitsundays, and AutoSports Group.
Harper-Russell will lead the agency’s day-to-day operations as its founder, Taylor Fielding, steps into the newly-created role of CEO.
Zaine Wilson-Hoyle, head of digital, rounds out TFM Digital’s senior leadership team. The senior restructure will free up Fielding’s remit to focus on strengthening the agency’s position as the leader in the franchise and multi-location sector, the business said.
“It’s a bold move from Tim, who is so uniquely talented and his award-winning background makes for envious reading,” Fielding said of Harper-Russell’s appointment.
“It’s further evidence of the rude health in the indie sector and its attractiveness for talent. And for us at TFM it’s a sign towards expanding into new areas and I can’t wait to see what the next chapter in our journey brings.”
Harper-Russell said he has been “admiring the TFM trajectory from afar.”
“Taylor has been pioneering the franchise space through his work with TFM, as well as his role with IMAA and working closely with FCA,” he said.
“He and the team have built some serious momentum. Those that know me, know I’m all about growth. Growth for my clients, my people and for my agency, and this role is the perfect opportunity to lean into my passion to deliver meaningful outcomes across all of these pillars.”
He continued that joining the indie was a “no-brainer.”
“Taylor’s carved out a unique niche and I know the reduced constraints and extra agility will provide the perfect environment in which to realise bold, growth-driving ideas at pace. I can’t wait to sink my teeth in and see where this next chapter can take us.”
With more than two decades of senior media and advertising roles within agencies like Carat and Wavemaker as well as sales-side experience working at DMG Radio, Fielding added that: “Tim brings the right attitude, a career’s worth of experience from both a leadership and market perspective. We’re lucky to have him.”
TFM Digital also counts Goodstart Early Learning, Poolwerx, City Cave, and Eureka Furniture among its clients, and has grown 29% in the past 12 months.
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Top image: Tim Harper-Russell