Independent Sydney advertising agency Banjo has picked up “digital innovator” McCann World Group’s Kevin McKay as digital director.
The agency has traditionally not been known for its digital offering, but the hiring of McKay, who ran the digital offering for the London 2012 Olympics, signals a “conscious decision to expand” into the space.
According to managing partner Andrew Varasdi the search to fill the job took a year. Banjo counts Bonds and Nando’s among its clients.
Hei said: “On talking to the CEO’s and Marketing Directors of many business, not just our clients, it became very clear how big a gap there is in the Australian market for real thought leadership in the application of the digital channel for brands and in meeting business imperatives.
“Secondly, and in keeping with our approach of hiring the most senior people and thinkers first, the business is now well placed to invest in the senior people that we believe will be industry leaders.”
As well as running the digital strategy for the Olympics McKay, 43, has also competed in two Olympics at the 1500m event, and has already started work for the agency, moving from his London base.
