Founder and CEO of M&C Saatchi Group’s Bohemia, Brett Dawson, has accepted a new role in the M&C Saatchi Group, which was initially based in the UK, but will now see Dawson return to Australia in 2023.
In his new role, Dawson (featured image) will help build media and commerce capabilities for the global network, working closely with Australian CEO of M&C Saatchi Group, Justin Graham, and founder of M&C Saatchi Performance, James Hilton.
This leadership role will help to drive M&C Saatchi’s data, technology and creativity driven transformation, both locally and globally.
“By applying Brett’s commercial media expertise to the broader Group, this critical new role will turbocharge the customer centric transformation of the business, ensuring data, technology and creativity are at the core of everything we do,” said Graham.
“His passion for the Bohemia brand, people and clients remains as strong as ever, so we’re excited to see this energy extend to the broader Group.”
After a decade founding, building and running Bohemia, its acquisition by M&C Saatchi, and the completion of his earn out, Dawson and his family will take a well deserved break, before joining the global Group in the UK in September 2022.
The decision for the established founder to stay on and accept a Group role following completion is unique, and testament to his commitment to the future potential and ambition of the business.
Bohemia has seen recent significant growth despite the challenging environment of COVID-19.
Meanwhile Dawson has overseen client wins last year including Nando’s, TikTok, Minderoo, Hire Up, Shift, Eftpos, Fiverr and Chemist 2 U, helped launch News.com.au’s “Be on it campaign”, and continued to expand the team with critical appointments such as national partnerships director, Jimmy Dau and Melbourne-based head of media, Garth Moring.
Upon his return to Australia next year, Dawson will partner with Justin Graham and the broader executive team to further drive commercial opportunities across the business’s core capabilities, including marketing science practice precision, while identifying and building new capabilities and models within its ecosystem, future proofing client partnerships, and identifying potential acquisitions that will continue to deliver competitive advantage.
“The founding Bohemian drive and desire to challenge is as strong as it’s ever been. The scope and canvas has increased dramatically as part of the M&C Saatchi Group and I am proud of the team, what we created, achieved, our clients and most of all the boho spirit,” said Dawson.
“I look forward to returning to the revered culture of Bohemia, and bringing the benefit of an evolved global media and commerce pillar to bear as part of this incredibly connected group.”
A global search for an Australian-based managing director for Bohemia is underway with an announcement in the coming weeks.
