M+C Saatchi Group ANZ has appointed Simon Wassef to the newly created role of group chief strategy officer.
An industry-leading strategist with extensive experience leading teams across Australia, Europe, the UK and the US, Wassef brings a deep understanding of brand, experience and innovation to the role, reinforcing M+C Saatchi’s Cultural Power proposition.
Wassef joins after recently resigning from Clemenger BBDO, where he spent two years as chief strategy and experience officer, developing effective, integrated platforms for HCF, Great Northern Brewing Company, Solo Energy, Hard Rated, Carlton Dry, MYER, Samsung, the TAC and the Federal Government. He was part of the team that added Kmart, COLORBOND, L’Oreal and NSW Police Force to the agency and oversaw Clemenger’s double-Gold turn at the 2025 Effies.
Wassef has held senior strategy roles at AKQA London and Sydney, TBWA\Chiat\Day Los Angeles, Droga5 Sydney and R/GA London.
Wassef is committed to making advertising a more inclusive industry. He is a member of the ACA’s CREATE SPACE steerco, and teaches AdSchool’s Advanced Strategy course.
As group chief strategy officer, Wassef will lead M+C Saatchi’s strategic vision and capability across Australia and New Zealand, ensuring the Group drives meaningful impact for clients.
“I build teams and capabilities for modern businesses who want to win. M+C is the best place to build: grown up, in control of its destiny and 100% focused on client success. And Dani and Emma are the best people to build with. I’m really excited,” said Wassef.
His appointment rounds out M+C Saatchi’s leadership team in Australia and New Zealand, under CEO Dani Bassil. Wassef will work closely with the leadership team, including recently appointed group chief creative officer Emma Robbins, managing director Tanya Vragalis, chief marketing officer Anita Zanesco, managing partner, passions and PR, Rhian Mason, and managing director M+C Saatchi consulting and re, Ben Harrison.
The appointment is the latest in a long list of movements at M+C Saatchi following Bassil’s appointment in June this year. Mason and Zanesco are among former Clemenger staffers to follow Bassil to the agency and just last week Jeremy Hogg was announced as the agency’s new national executive creative director from Howatson + Co.
“I’m thrilled to have Simon join us. He brings a rare mix of intelligence, empathy and creative drive that will add so much to our leadership team and our clients’ businesses,” added Bassil.
Wassef will officially commence his role in the new year.
