M&C Saatchi: A 21-Year-Old With A Bright Future
M&C Saatchi turns 21 this year and has plenty to celebrate as one of the largest, most lauded and successful players in Australian adland.
The Group will mark the occasion with staff, clients, media and some old friends at a glittering 21st birthday party in Sydney this Thursday (the 21st) where it will be toasting the future as much as its past and present.
A future that will continue its transformation as a business that augments advertising with creativity in all shapes and forms to help solve business problems.
Some key milestone of this evolution include the recent launch of:
- Innovation hub Tricky Jigsaw to significantly bolster capacity to develop new products and services, working out of the ‘maker’ lab installed at M&C Saatchi Group’s Sydney HQ.
- Customer relationship business LIDA distilling insights from big data for clients.
- A retail division to help brands navigate the intersection of tech, online, mobile and data with physical retail environments that may also one day help M&C Saatchi sell its own products.
All are achieving significant outcomes for clients and setting the Group well on its path to attaining CEO Jaimes Leggett’s vision of being the most influential creative company in Australia by 2020.
M&C Saatchi has been embracing change and transformation since that May day in 1995 when Tom Dery first flung open its doors – from a Sydney Hotel room with little more than a personal credit card and ambition to service foundation clients Qantas and British Airways.
It was mere weeks after the Saatchi brothers famously walked out of the London agency they had built to become the world’s most successful and renowned to form another to carry their name.
Dery soon coaxed Tom McFarlane up from Melbourne as CD to form a partnership that still endures.
Within 18 months M&C Saatchi Australia had 14 clients, 39 staff, an AdNews Agency of the Year title and an office in Pitt St.
Ever since it has sustained that remarkable run of year-on-year growth and acclaim to be a leading force in Australian advertising.
Today it has more than 450 staff across two offices (Sydney and Melbourne) and 12 businesses.
It has just gone back-to-back as the B&T Grand Prix Agency of the Year – the first agency to ever do so – and enjoyed its most successful year at Cannes with Titanium amid its 10-Lion haul.
Its client roster comprises some of the nation’s largest and most successful brands who each day touch millions of Australians. M&C Saatchi engages them with memorable, enduring work built off big brand platforms such as: CommBank ‘Can’, Optus ‘Yes’, ‘NRMADE BETTER’ and the likes of ‘100% Pure New Zealand’ that has been picked up and run with elsewhere.
Leggett said: “It’s great to take a moment on this special milestone to reflect oneverything the Group has achieved.
“Back-to-back Grand Prix Agency of the year titles is something we’re fiercely proud of, neither of which could have been achieved was it not for the legacy forged by Tom and Tom.
“Standing on the shoulders of giants gives you a great view and we couldn’t be more excited by what we see ahead.
“Creativity will always be our stock in trade. In an age where category disruption is rife, creativity as a means of driving business transformation has never been more important.
“We are embracing those opportunities and the challenge to not only keep a step ahead of the market. But to help define it’s future.”
Dery, into his seventh year as M&C Saatchi Worldwide Chairman, said: “We were very fortunate in Australia to have such fantastic support from the leadership group in London who backed us on everything we wanted to do from the outset. Plus, the association with Maurice Saatchi was inspirational.
“Other highlights for me are all the truly brilliant people – the colleagues and clients – I’ve worked with and continue to work with, none more so than Tom McFarlane. Many have become lifelong friends. That and the chance to help businesses overcome challenges to reach and exceed their goals.
“The first 21 years were great but such is the leadership, the talent and the ambition around the place now, I’m absolutely confident the Group will reach new heights as we move forward.”
McFarlane, these days M&C Saatchi’s regional creative director – Asia Pacific said: “The opportunity to grow something is what got me on a plane from Melbourne all those years ago and to this day it is what I enjoy most.
“Finding a ‘big idea’ that will genuinely help a client’s business grow, nurturing young talent and watching an industry I love continue to flourish.
“I am immeasurably proud that so many successful people in agencies here and around the world began, or grew their careers at M&C Saatchi Australia. It’s been a hell of a ride, wild at times, but always fun.
“Along the way I have been privileged to work with so many talented people, who are also good people. Not the least Tom Dery who has been my partner and friend for over 25 years.”
To mark the occasion M&C Saatchi has published a beautiful, 148-page coffee table hardback book that celebrates each of the 21 years through milestones and a showcase of seminal work. A copy of the book has been given to each staff member, clients and media.
Some highlights from M&C Saatchi’s first 21 years:
- The Australian’s ‘Agency of the Decade’ 2000 to 2010.
- 32 Agency of the Year titles.
- Hundreds of creative and effectiveness awards.
- Ranked No.2 on BRW’s Most Innovative Companies List (2014).
- A client roster, both past and present, that amounts to deep experience (in some instances up to two decades) across virtually every sector, including: financial services, telco, insurance, airlines, tech, big retail, auto, FMCG, not-for-profit, tourism, media, software, fashion and apparel.
- An unfair share of market-leading – and in some instances world’s best – talent highlighted by the following recent appointments:
Chief Creative Officer Andy Dilallo, Executive Creative Director Michael Canning, Chief Strategy Officer Justin Graham, Managing Partner and Head of Commbank Mim Haysom, Head of Innovation Ben Cooper, Managing Director of Bang PR Annalise Brown.
Please login with linkedin to comment
QantasLatest News
TV Ratings (18/04/2024): I’m A Celebrity Wins Prime Time And Key Demos
Aussie viewers can be a harsh lot at times. Only days after Ellie Cole bled her heart out, she has been sent packing.
Effie&co Launches New ConnectAsia Division To Help Aussie Brands Market To Asian Consumers Overseas & At Home
Not provided is advice on using chopsticks and not spilling ramen down your shirt.
Cashrewards Sets Out Stall For New CMO
Thinking of applying for the Cashrewards CMO gig? Here are some insider tips that, yes, are tantamount to cheating.
‘I Ask For The TV Industry To Stand Up And Defend Itself’ – Seven Boss James Warburton Steps Down
The Seven supremo heads for the exits after five years. Here's hoping the Spotlight team organised the farewell bash.
Poh! Jamie! Adriano! Paramount ANZ reveals its tasty plans for this year’s MasterChef
It's your fan's guide to this year's MasterChef! Although no tips on how to pronounce crudités or use a un fait-tout.
Dentsu’s iProspect Partners With MOOD Tea Ahead Of May Campaign Launch
We love a Mood Tea here at B&T. Although we do store old screws and nails in the International Roast caterer's tin.
Opinion: When Culture Starts Eating Itself: Navigating The Age Of Self-eating Nostalgia
Born boss David Coupland asks is adland going through a nostalgia period? But please, no repeats of Best Of Red Faces.
Who’s Going To Cannes?! The TikTok Young Lions Winners!
It's Aussie adland's next gen! They're off to Cannes with high hopes of bringing back a Lion & a foot-long Toblerone.
Adobe Launches Express Mobile App With Firefly AI
Want to be the coolest kid at Friday staff drinks but forgot your retro Nikes? This new Adobe wizardry may do the trick.
ThinkNewsBrands & IMAA Extend News Publishing Education In Brisbane
Industry duo takes its publishing roadshow to Brisbane. Was disappointed no male attendees were wearing walk socks.
B&T Chats With Wavemaker’s Provocative Pioneers On Their Cross-Pacific Sojourn
B&T TV heads to Wavemaker's Sydney digs to interview two staffers from its New York & LA digs. If that makes sense?
HoMie & Champion Launch “Give One. Get One” Campaign Supporting Youth Homelessness Via Town Square
Much like the fête's prized chutney wears a blue winners sash, so too should this top initiative from HoMie & Champion.
Thinkerbell Takes Us Back To Summer In Latest Work For XXXX
This beer ad wants to take you back to summer! Just minus any chance of a shark attack on your morning bus commute.
Cannes Lions Unveils 2024 Programme Featuring Queen Latifah, Jay Shetty & P&G’s Mark Pritchard
Are you one of the lucky ducks heading to Cannes in June? Check out the headliner acts you'll be queueing hours to see.
Scroll Media Recruits Costa Panagos From Twitch
Costa Panagos set to bring South American flair to the Scroll offices. Assuming that he is, indeed, South American.
Year13, Microsoft & KPMG Australia Launch AI Course For Gen Zs
Born around the 2000s? Need to amp up your AI creds? This guide's for you (although it's not really that age specific).
General Motors Snares Heath Walker From Scania
Do you rage about oversized American cars on our roads? You need to bail up Heath Walker at parties & industry events.
VML Launches New “Envoyage” Brand For Flight Centre
VML unveils new brand for travel operator Flight Centre. Alas, no sign of those paid actors pretending to be pilots.
Subaru Places Media Account Up For Review
Subaru puts media up for review, as adland journos get set for mandatory "agency drives off with..." headline.
TV Ratings (17/04/2024): Contestants Faced With Harsh Realities As Alone Australia Heats Up (Or Cools Down)
Alone still doing the business for SBS. Overly long train journeys not doing the business, but they persist anyway.
Ben Fordham Loses Number One Spot As Ray Hadley Celebrates 156th Ratings Win
The radio numbers are in! Discover who's off for a boozy lunch today & who's waiting for the dreaded HR death knock.
Gourmet Ice Cream Brand Connoisseur Launches New “Thrill Your Senses” Iteration, Via SICKDOGWOLFMAN
Rattling the old "truth in advertising" adage comes this ice-cream spot full of noticeably thin people.
Paramount’s Global Sales Boss: ‘Australia’s Converged Model Is A Blueprint For How I’d Like All Of Our Markets To Be’
Paramount's global sales boss gives local sales ops the thumbs up. Didn't weigh-in on the Lisa Wilkinson debacle.
TikTok Starts Testing Its Instagram Rival In Australia
In exciting news for piano playing cats & brattish pranks in shopping centres, TikTok unveils its Insta rival plans.
Man Wrongly Named By Seven As Bondi Killer Hires Lawyers
Struggling to save for a house deposit? Why not get wrongly identified by Sunrise!
Smartsheet Appoints Indie Agency Sandbox Media To Its Media Account
Can't stand your colleagues? Like to dob them in when they miss a deadline? These work management platforms are ideal.
Boss Not Letting You Come To Cannes In Cairns? Use This Business Case To Convince Them!
Stingy boss won't spring for a ticket to Cairns? Add this to your persuasive argument repertoire. Or grovel.
Alt/shift/ Brisbane Builds Portfolio With Ausbuild Creative, PR, Content & Social Account Win
The Brisbane comms/PR agency lands constructor Ausbuild. Also hoping for a discount on its new glass conservatory.
Young Guns Versus The Old Guard: Who Adds More Value to Our Industry?
Cannes In Cairns poking this hornet's nest in a lively debate. Just so long as the oldies can get up the stairs.
70% Of Aussies Don’t Have Green Power Plans ENGIE Says In Major Brand Campaign Via HERO
Are you the notorious "light leaver on-er" in your flatshare? Quell any infighting with this green energy news.
PrettyGood Launches Offering Brand & Media Solutions For Australasian SMEs
B&T applauds the charitable nature of this new agency. Although we'd hate to see it impact any Chrissie present sends.
A Blunt End: Dolphins Medicinal Cannabis Sponsorship At Risk
Yes, it's another NRL drug story. Yet, thankfully it doesn't involve coke in Kuta during the off-season.
Slew Of New Creative Hires At Leo Burnett Australia
Ahhh, all black! The outfit of choice for agency creatives, David Jones staff and everyone in Melbourne.
Under Armour Unveils Local “Live in UA” Campaign
American apparel brand set for yet another tilt at the Aussie market, as Nike declares "we'll see about that".
Pepsi Launches New Look, Refreshing Classic Fashion Staples Via Special PR
Are you always the bridesmaid, never the bride, as the old saying goes? How do you think Pepsi feels?
Pure Blonde Returns To A Place Purer Than Yours In New Campaign Via The Monkeys
B&T's always been a huge fan of the 'drink yourself thinner' diet plan. So big thanks to Pure blonde, vodka & tequila.