DDB Australia has taken the next step in its implementation of a new creative structure across Australia and New Zealand with the appointment of Toby Talbot to the position of chief creative officer at DDB Sydney.

The move follows the recent appointment of Damon Stapleton as CCO at DDB New Zealand. The network says it is part of a strategy to magnify the senior creative offering within Australia and New Zealand.

Talbot joins the Sydney team after a stint at WhybinTBWA New Zealand where he was chief creative officer since the start of 2013. Prior to that he was based in London at Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe Y&R (RKCR/Y&R), a role which followed a secondment at DDB London. Before spending time in the UK he was group ECD of DDB’s NZ office for five years.

Talbot will work alongside ECD Dylan Harrison in what Andrew Little, managing director of DDB Australia, calls a “partnership”.

Little said: “Toby and Dylan are both world-class talents – what a partnership.”

Talbot said: “DDB has always been hugely supportive of me and my work and I am thrilled to be returning ‘home’. My time at DDB Auckland continues to be a highlight for me and I have kept a close eye on the network’s outstanding success. The output across the region, not least in Australia, has been extraordinary and I am excited to be joining Dylan and the team.”

Of the appointment, Harrison said in a statement from the agency: “Toby has been a great mentor to me ever since I began at DDB Sydney, I’m looking forward to the relationship being made official. He is an awesome creative talent not to mention an awesome bloke. I think we will be a great team.”

Talbot will commence with DDB Sydney in July. His role at WhybinTBWA New Zealand will be filled by Dave King who moves across from M&C Saatchi New Zealand. It has been reported that the troubled agency is expected to close after his departure.