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Ex Clemenger Director, Jeff Estok Joins MitchelLake

13 March 2009

MitchelLake Consulting is expanding its portfolio of operations and has hired Jeff Estok as Partner – Convergent Media and Advertising.

Estok is formerly General Manager Sales and Marketing at Global Mall Media and is well-known in the Australian marketing communications industry through a series of high-profile management roles.

Founded in 2001, MitchelLake has forged deep relationships with companies that are leading both the evolution and digital convergence of marketing, entertainment and communications services for digitally connected consumers, businesses and communities.

Estok brings his extensive management experience to the firm, having held senior positions with advertising, marketing communications and digital media companies over the past 20 years.  He is a former Managing Director of Clemenger Brisbane, Clemenger Australia Board Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Issues and Images Group. 

Announcing Estok’s appointment, Phaedon Stough, Managing Partner of MitchelLake said, “Jeff’s up-to-date knowledge and experience in the agency, marketing services, and media communities enables us to provide an ideal resource as these sectors continue to integrate their digital capabilities into their core businesses. The industry’s real challenge is incorporating new competencies without creating competing silos or devaluing those core businesses".

“Jeff will also enable us to provide advisory services to the many early-stage companies we have been partnering with over the last several years, to help them orchestrate successful merger and acquisition activities,” said Stough.

Estok said that with the continuing restructuring of the brand communications industry, established players were looking for quality counsel and younger players are looking for connectivity and experience in the sector.  “There is no doubt that the Brand communications landscape has changed.  We have moved from ‘push’ to ‘pull’ and content is the new currency.  The successful communications companies will be those who own the conversations with consumers.  This will require bespoke people, structure and M&A solutions, from partners who actually ‘get it’.

MitchelLake has offices in Sydney, Melbourne, San Francisco & Hobart.

What is your job title and where are you based?
Partner – Advertising/Media based in MitchelLake's Sydney office

When did you start with MitchelLake?
January 2009

What does your role at MitchelLake involve?
Building MitchelLake’s Executive Search Practice within the traditional advertising and media markets, helping these companies develop truly integrated service offerings.
 
What areas of specialty do you have?
I have senior management experience across a range of business areas, including advertising, marketing communications, consulting, Web 1.0, Web 2.0, media, and M&A. 
 
Can you sum up your professional experience?
I moved to Sydney from the US in 1987 to take up a one-year work exchange, coming to Clemenger Sydney as a Group Account Director over the PepsiCo group of companies.  I stayed with Clemenger for 12 years, including 2 as MD of Clemenger Brisbane, as well as being on the Board of Clemenger Australia.

I then ventured to a holding company role as COO of The Issues and Images Group, where I was responsible for business planning for group companies, identifying and screening acquisition targets, and integrating acquisitions into the group.

Following that, I set up my own company (Kellach & Assoc) to work with vendors to assist them in the M&A process by getting them ready for sale, identifying potential acquirers, and handling the negotiations with acquiring companies, as well as providing advisory services to start-up companies.

My skills and competencies include business planning, M&A, successful commercialisation of start-ups, business development, and hiring and developing outstanding people.
 
Why did you join MitchelLake?
The combination of a great culture, passionate colleagues, and the opportunity to build a new business area and revenue stream sold me.
 
Are there any educational/academic /professional/other achievements to be included?
BA from the University of Utah in Journalism and Mass Communications.  Go the Running Utes!  (Probably makes more sense if you are American!).




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Written by: DP

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