Saatchi & Saatchi’s new creative team. David Bowman (left), Simone Bartley and Steve Back
Saatchi & Saatchi has confirmed Steve Back will take over as executive creative director at Saatchi & Saatchi from David “Nobby” Nobay, as revealed by B&T online on Monday.
Back, a former Saatchi & Saatchi Auckland staffer is being joined in Sydney by another Saatchi Auckland creative, David Bowman, who is moving from Droga5 in New York to become creative group head.
On Monday, B&T reported that Back had quit DDB Sydney as creative director of just over a year to move into the ECD role at Saatchi.
His appointment comes after an international search led by Saatchi & Saatchi worldwide creative director Bob Isherwood.
Saatchi & Saatchi CEO Simone Bartley said: “Several months ago we began an international search for an ECD who would fit with Saatchi’s ideas-centric culture, whose creative approach was fresh and innovative and who had a global perspective.
“But it was also critical that our ECD was able to understand the Australian culture, what makes us laugh, cry and engage with our brands. On every count there was no better candidate than Steve and we are delighted that he will be leading our creative team through a very exciting period at Saatchi & Saatchi.’’
Speaking on Bowman’s appointment, Bartley said: “Dave has spent the past 12 months gaining invaluable international experience in brand entertainment content with Droga5 in New York and is returning to Saatchi to help us expand our offering through our new division, Saatchi Substance. There is no question Dave has led the way in this market having won Australia’s first Titanium. Now he returns with even more experience to bring to Saatchi clients.”
Isherwood added: “Steve and Dave were both top talent Saatchi & Saatchi boys who moved on to do other things. We’re very excited about the additional experience they’re now bringing home.’’
Back said Saatchi was “primed” to explore new areas. He added: “Reuniting with David gives us a chance to get on with unfinished business. We had a great thing happening at Saatchi in Auckland but the best is yet to come.”
He is due to joint the agency shortly, with Bowman taking his seat early next year.
