Sydney agency New Republique has appointed UK creative Becky McOwen-Banks as its first ECD, following a global search.

McOwen-Banks brings 18 years’ experience in UK agencies, including McCann Erickson, DDB, Iris Worldwide, Geronimo and Inferno.

Prior to arriving in Australia to join New Republique, she led the Sky pitch through to rollout and saw her launch campaign for the Seat Leon Cupra hatchback result in dealerships across the UK selling out.

She said: “I am excited by what the team at New Republique has achieved and the opportunity of helping them grow to the next level.

“The Australian market is thriving and offers scope for brilliant creative work that really makes a difference to clients. However, it falls short when many clients and agencies opt for lowest common denominator slio-ed thinking, rather than pointier creative ideas.”

Nima Yassini, founder and CEO of New Republique, added: “Becky is truly a unique talent. Her mix of creative skills, track record of award winning work and business acumen will be a very welcome addition to the team. We are excited by what she will bring our clients, team and the industry. She will head up the creative department and take a place on the New Republique board.”