Former Facebook Exec Ben Lightfoot Joins Ogilvy Brisbane As MD

Ogilvy Brisbane has announced the appointment of former Facebook executive Ben Lightfoot (pictured above, centre) as its new managing director.

With more than 20 years’ experience within marketing and communications, Lightfoot has worked with large multi-nationals, boutique independents and small start-ups around the world.

Most recently, Lightfoot worked within Facebook’s APAC team at as head of large advertiser marketing.

Ogilvy Australia CEO David Fox (pictured above, far right) said Lightfoot’s appointment is part of a push to future-proof the agency and continue its focus on innovation and digital integration.

“Ben’s background with Facebook is ideally placed to take Ogilvy Brisbane into its next phase of growth, and matches the focus other Ogilvy offices have had in relation to digital, strategy, media and creative,” he said.

“He’s also one of few within our industry to hold senior roles in both creative and management across brand, retail, direct, and digital. Having someone of his calibre and broad experience makes him the ideal candidate to take our Queensland presence to the next level.”

Commenting on his new role, Lightfoot said: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining Ogilvy Brisbane as well as the wider Ogilvy Australia team.

“Right from the beginning of our discussions, I have been really impressed with the way that Foxy and the Australian leadership team are challenging business structure, culture, best practice, as well as embedding technology into the way they partner with their clients to address the needs of the business.

“With the strong relationships already in place with Queensland government as well as the new partnerships that are forming through recent wins, I’m looking forward to bringing the experience of my last few years to build on what is already a very strong team.”

Lightfoot replaces Russ Vine, who has led the Ogilvy Brisbane business for the past 18 months, following the merger of local shop JuniorCru with Ogilvy Australia.

Commenting on Vines’s departure, Fox said: “Russ has been a committed leader and we wish him all the very best for the future. He leaves Ogilvy Brisbane in good shape and firmly integrated into the broader Ogilvy Australia structure, and we thank him for his commitment.

“To be successful in business, you must move with change. Now is the right time for expansion to ensure Ogilvy meets the changing requirements of the Brisbane market, and under Ben’s new leadership, we are excited about what the future holds for the team.”

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