Steve’s breakdown: This review is underway but if you’re in the neighborhood and have the right stuff, it’s worth a call.

BRISBANE, Australia: Brisbane agency Junior will not be re-pitching for the Bank of Queensland‘s (BOQ) creative account, while the brand has appointed CommBank digital marketer Andrew Murrell as general manager of digital and direct.

BOQ is currently undertaking a closed agency review process involving six undisclosed agencies across Australia. The review is expected to be completed by next month.

However, Junior has declined to re-pitch for the business as both parties agreed the agency was not in a position to retain the account. The agency has been with the bank since May 2010.

Junior managing director Russ Vine said: “We are aware of the review and are relaxed and comfortable with BOQ’s decision to look beyond Junior. We discussed with BOQ at the outset what their requirements are and both parties agreed that Junior would not be in a position to retain the account.

“To this end we have agreed a fixed notice period during which we will continue to give BOQ our all and we will of course assist fully with their transition to a new agency. We have enjoyed our time with BOQ immensely and feel we have proven ourselves more than adequately. We wish them all the best for the future.”

BOQ said in a statement: “BOQ has had a great relationship with incumbent agency Junior; however an organisational shift for change means they would not be in a position to retain the account.

“As a result, it was agreed by all parties that Junior would not participate in the review process. BOQ acknowledges the positive relationship and valuable contribution of Junior over the past two and a half years.”

Meanwhile, BOQ has appointed former Commonwealth Bank digital specialist Andrew Murrell as its new general manager of digital and direct.

Murrell most recently co-led the development of its “Kaching” phone app, and worked with the company for 10 years.

He said: “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be involved in this project from the beginning and influence how BOQ moves ahead in this space.

“It’s an exciting challenge for me personally and even more so for BOQ as the challenger brand. I had 10 great years at CBA and worked with amazing talent. This is my next exciting venture.”

BOQ retail and online group executive Matt Baxby said: “Andrew will lead a transformation of BOQ’s current digital offering with the objective of building on growing consumer preference for online and social.

“Our aim is to provide customers with more options to interact with BOQ, products they want and an exceptional experience when they engage with us.”

He is to start on 3 December 2012.

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