New Strategic Leadership At Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney And Publicis Communications

New Strategic Leadership At Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney And Publicis Communications

Publicis Communications has today announced changes to its line-up of strategic leaders with the appointment of a new chief strategy officer for creative agency, Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney, and new chief strategy integration officer for Publicis Communications.

Appointed to the newly created role of chief strategy integration officer for Publicis Communications, is Kate Smither (left in photo). Assigned strategic lead on the recently won Campbell Arnott’s account, Smither will work with Publicis Communications ANZ CEO, Michael Rebelo.

Smither has been with Saatchi & Saatchi for three years, having previously worked across major roles in both Australia and the United Kingdom. With work recognised by all of the major creative and effectiveness awards, Smither was global planning director on Dove, and contributed to the success of the Dove ‘Real Beauty Sketches’ campaign.

Set to fill Smither’s role as chief strategy officer of creative agency Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney, is Iona Macgregor (right in photo). She arrives from award-winning creative shop, Marcel Sydney.

Macgregor has been with the Publicis Groupe for 10 years, having worked at Sapient Razorfish Paris, Marcel Paris and then at Marcel Sydney. She has led integrated strategy departments; bringing together brand planners with social strategists and UX designers, to create innovative work such as Intermarche’s ‘Inglorious Fruit & Veg’ in Paris, and Tiger Beer’s ‘Air-Ink’ in Sydney.

Michael Rebelo, CEO of Publicis Communications ANZ, said: “We are extremely fortunate to have two of the finest strategic minds in the business, and to create pathways of growth for each of them. I’m pleased to continue to work with Kate in her new role, and look forward to watching the impact Iona is sure to make on Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney and its clients.”

Smither said: “It’s a big challenge and a privilege to be steering the strategic direction of the Campbell Arnott’s Asia Pacific business and to be a part of such a progressive agency model. Working closely with Mike Rebelo as he transforms the narrative of Publicis in this market is a real honour, and leaving the reigns of Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney to the brilliant Iona is an added bonus.”

Iona Macgregor added: “It feels like Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney has a great mix of bold culture, deep local insight and interesting smart talent – just what you need to handle today’s challenges. Kate has hired exceptional planners that I’m very lucky to have on the team.”

Anthony Gregorio, CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi Australia, said: “I’m thrilled for Kate as it’s a fantastic opportunity that she is sure to excel at. To be able to replace her seamlessly with a talented strategic leader in Iona Macgregor is something we are all very excited about. Along with Alex Speakman in Melbourne, I’m blessed to have such exceptional planning leadership.”




Latest News

Revium Snags Peter Bauld From Deloitte Digital
  • Advertising

Revium Snags Peter Bauld From Deloitte Digital

Revium, a leading full-service digital and AI consultancy, has announced the appointment of Peter Bauld (lead image) as Executive General Manager. Revium is a full-service digital and AI consultancy with over 20 years of experience creating engaging digital experiences for leading organisations and their customers. Bauld joins Revium after an illustrious career spanning over two […]

Veridooh Snatches Prashand Menon From ScentreGroup
  • Advertising

Veridooh Snatches Prashand Menon From ScentreGroup

Out-of-home OOH) and digital media leader Prashand Menon (lead image) has joined OOH ad tech company Veridooh as group business director within NSW and QLD. Menon joins Veridooh from his most recent role as ScentreGroup’s group business director and brings with him more than 10 years of experience in Australian media. Previously, he held positions […]

Kat & Co Transforms Into THE WORLD OF Experiential Agency
  • Advertising

Kat & Co Transforms Into THE WORLD OF Experiential Agency

After more than twelve years of producing experiences for some of the world’s most innovative brands, including Hermes, Van Cleef & Arpels, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co, Kat & Co has quietly metamorphosed into THE WORLD OF. THE WORLD OF is an experiential agency at the juncture of culture, technology and the human condition. […]

SMG Studio Launches Risk: Global Domination X Dune Part Two
  • Campaigns

SMG Studio Launches Risk: Global Domination X Dune Part Two

Through a licensing agreement with Legendary Entertainment, SMG Studio inked the rights to adapt Dune: Part Two into a game based on Risk: Global Domination, Hasbro’s interactive board game. Inspired by Denis Villeneuve’s cinematic masterpiece, Dune: Part Two, this new digital adaptation, RISK: Global Domination X Dune: Part Two, is poised to captivate players from […]

QMS: Taylor Swift, Lunar New Year & Mardi Gras Were Boon For OOH Market
  • Marketing

QMS: Taylor Swift, Lunar New Year & Mardi Gras Were Boon For OOH Market

Taylor Swift, Lunar New Year and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival have had a dramatic impact on the number of people moving in and around Sydney over the past month, drawing big crowds into the heart of the city and its surrounding suburbs. New data from digital outdoor company QMS reveals a […]