Above: David Watkins and Max Eburne
Steve O’Connor has announced he will step down as CEO of JCDecaux Australia and New Zealand after 20 years with the company.
Following the announcement on Monday, chief commercial officer Max Eburne and chief financial officer David Watkins will become co-CEOs.
Jean-François Decaux, co-CEO of JCDecaux, said: “Steve’s leadership over the past 20 years has been integral to JCDecaux’s growth in Australia and New Zealand. His role in integrating APN Outdoor into our business was pivotal, and we are grateful for his contribution. He leaves behind a business well-positioned for the future.”
O’Connor said: “It’s been an incredible journey building JCDecaux in Australia and New Zealand over the past two decades. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and I thank everyone who has supported me and the company. Max and David are well-prepared to lead the business into the future. I’m looking forward to spending more time on my cattle farm, travelling, and contemplating the next chapter of my life.”
On the appointments of Eburne and Watkins, Decaux said: “Max and David are natural successors to Steve as co-CEOs. Their combined experience and deep understanding of our business will ensure continued growth. The dual CEO structure has been successfully implemented in several JCDecaux subsidiaries and will position the business well for continued success.”
Eburne said: “I’m grateful to Steve for his leadership over the past 16 years we’ve worked together. David and I have highly complementary skills and experience and will take great pride in leading the immensely talented team at JCDecaux to evolve and thrive in the future. Together we will lead with a shared focus on innovation and delivering results for clients. We are excited about the future of Out-of-Home, and we’ll continue to focus on effective outcomes for brands and agencies.”
Watkins said: “I’m excited to work with Max to lead JCDecaux Australia and New Zealand. This is a great opportunity and we’re ready to build on the strong foundation Steve has left. The out-of-home industry has strong, long-term fundamentals, and JCDecaux will continue to invest and innovate. We have a great team of exceptional people, strong contracts, and plenty of opportunities ahead. I’m looking forward to delivering on our strategy and making the most of what’s coming in 2025 and beyond.”
O’Connor will remain with the business until the end of 2024, with Eburne and Watkins to take on their new roles as co-CEOs on 1 January 2025.
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