Ex-pat Australian Nick Law has quit his role at R/GA and will become Publicis Groupe’s new global creative officer.

Law, who started his career at R/GA in Sydney, will take up his new role in May.

According to a statement from Publicis, Law has been tasked “to take the Groupe’s creative performance to the next level” and will “develop a unified creative ethos” across the group’s full spectrum of creative agencies that include Leo Burnett, Saatchi and Saatchi, Publicis Worldwide and Marcel.

Arthur Sadoun, chairman and chief executive of Publicis Groupe, said: “Nick is a true unicorn in our industry. Throughout his career, he has delivered world-class work that builds on what we believe all our clients need: the alchemy of creativity and tech.

“This modernity in ideas, combined with his obvious leadership skills, make Nick the perfect person to play such a pivotal role in our Groupe. His partnership will be a game-changer in our journey to lead the change in our industry.”

In traditional Sadoun style, the Publicis boss also issued an internal video to staff announcing Law’s appointment.

Bob Greenberg, founder, chairman and chief executive of R/GA, said of Law’s departure: “I am incredibly grateful for all Nick has done for R/GA, our clients, and our staff over the past 17 years. Among many things, he leaves a legacy of developing some of the best talent in the industry.