Ex-The Local team staff and clients to move to Y&R

10 of The Local's team members, including its creative director and co-founder Kirsten Ackland (pictured left), are joining Y&R, following the former agency's closure in end June. Yesterday,  Marketing reported the closure of the agency.Co-founder Shaun Quek confirmed the development saying: “We have aided our clients with the transition process to alternative options.” (Read also: The Local to cease operations by end June)Ackland was previously from Y&R Singapore before she founded The Local where she was also creative director for four years. This move to Y&R brings over clients such as Al Futtaim Group (Robinsons and Marks & Spencer), Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen, Lend Lease and Shiseido to Y&R.Melvin Kuek (pictured right), managing director Y&R Singapore said in a statement: “We are delighted that Kirsten and her energetic team have joined us to further strengthen Y&R’s burgeoning talent pool.”Kuek added, “Together with newly-appointed chief creative officer Komal Sonal Bedi, planning director Yousuf Rangoonwala and Y&R Labstore we have added depth and expertise to every department in the agency, to better service existing and new clients, including retail giants Al Futtaim Group (Robinsons and Marks & Spencer), Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen, Lend Lease and Shiseido.”Ackland said, “It's great to be returning to the Y&R family and to continue The Local’s essence and winning mentality within Y&R's global boutique ethos - the strength of a global network combined with remarkable in-depth local understanding.”