Redundancy is currently sweeping through the marketing and agency sectors, affecting not just junior employees but also senior and middle-level talent. This trend is largely driven by economic challenges, ongoing business transformations, and industry consolidations. In recent weeks, notable senior executive cuts have followed the Omnicom/IPG merger, including Mark Coad, Leigh Terry, and Lucy Formosa Morgan. Additionally, Menulog’s CMO Simon Cheng was among approximately 120 employees affected by the closure of the delivery business in Australia.
The announcement comes as Omnicom’s global CEO, John Wren, revealed that 4,000 jobs might be shed by the year’s end as the merged Omnicom-IPG structure takes shape. Other companies like Endeavour Group, Dentsu, and major media outlets such as Nine, Seven West Media, News Corp, and Southern Cross Media have also made significant cuts in recent years.
Redundancy Trends and Industry Impact
The Australian HR Institute’s quarterly outlook for September 2025 highlights a rise in redundancies, with 27% of employers planning cuts, an increase from 24% in the previous quarter. The Advertising Council of Australia’s 2025 Salary Survey also indicates an 11% redundancy rate, up from the usual 5-7% range.
“Over six in 10 employers expect AI to reduce some roles, and nine in 10 organizations say roles are at risk or set for major change within the next three to five years.”
These statistics underscore the ongoing transformation within the industry, where AI and automation are reshaping job roles and market dynamics. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported a 1.9% annual retrenchment rate as of February 2025, equating to 268,000 people, with over 12% citing retrenchment as the reason for job loss.
Personal Stories of Resilience
Amidst these challenges, individuals like Liana Dubois, Katie Dally, Josh Slighting, and Amy de Groot have navigated their own paths through redundancy. Each faced unique circumstances, yet they share common experiences of shock, grief, and eventual reinvention.
Liana Dubois: A Strategic Pause
Liana Dubois anticipated her redundancy when management consultants entered Nine’s building. “I could see the train that was coming to pull into the station,” she recalls. Despite her foresight, the emotional impact of leaving after 12 years was significant. Dubois emphasizes the importance of taking a break before making her next career move.
“I really needed to do nothing, because I was burnt out,” Dubois explains. This pause allowed her to reassess her professional identity and reconnect with her network, eventually leading to her role as MD of Entertainment Partners ANZ.
Katie Dally: Embracing the Unexpected
Katie Dally experienced redundancy unexpectedly after surviving an initial round of cuts at Endeavour Group. Despite delivering significant cost savings and pioneering new models, she faced the emotional turmoil of job loss. Dally stresses the importance of allowing oneself to feel the full range of emotions during such transitions.
“I just don’t think enough people are being quite raw and real about their experience,” she notes, highlighting the need for openness and support during difficult times.
Josh Slighting: Learning from Experience
Josh Slighting was caught off guard by his redundancy from a thriving REA Group. Despite the initial shock, he reflects on the importance of learning from the experience and identifying areas for personal growth. Slighting’s journey led him to a new role at Woolworths, where he looks forward to new challenges.
Amy de Groot: Reinventing Through Adversity
Amy de Groot faced redundancy twice, nearly 20 years apart, each time feeling the sting of job loss. Her recent experience led her to build a consulting business, leveraging her skills as a fractional CMO and marketing adviser. De Groot’s story underscores the value of resilience and adaptability in the face of career setbacks.
Reframing and Moving Forward
For many professionals, redundancy triggers a crisis of identity, prompting a reevaluation of skills and career goals. Dubois, Dally, Slighting, and de Groot all emphasize the importance of networking, self-reflection, and strategic planning in navigating career transitions.
“Your next role will come from your network; it won’t necessarily come out of these executive search firms,” Dubois advises.
Their experiences highlight the need to remain open to new opportunities and to approach career changes with a proactive mindset. Whether through networking, consulting, or exploring new industries, these leaders demonstrate that redundancy can be a catalyst for growth and reinvention.
As the industry continues to evolve, professionals must adapt to new realities, leveraging their strengths and networks to navigate an increasingly competitive job market. The stories of Dubois, Dally, Slighting, and de Groot serve as powerful reminders of the resilience and creativity required to thrive in the face of adversity.
