M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment has appointed Duncan Shields (left in photo) to the newly-created role of creative group head for the specialist sponsorship and experiential agency within the M&C Saatchi Group.

With over 10 years’ experience, Shields has worked in some of the country’s most highly regarded creative departments including DDB, The Explainers and Deloitte.

The role will see Shields reporting into managing director Jamie Gilbert-Smith.

Gilbert-Smith said: “Since its inception in 2009, S&E has experienced continuous growth in both profit and revenue. The last 12 months have seen this accelerate significantly and we wanted to step up our capabilities to meet that growth. Duncan’s hire is a critical part of gearing up our creative firepower. By continuing to evolve and elevate our creative capabilities we are ensuring that we maintain our position as one of the most creative agency experiential and sponsorship agencies in the market.

“Duncan has played an integral role in launching some of Australia’s leading brands’ products, services and experiences. Adding Duncan to the team is an exciting proposition – we’re thrilled to have him join us.”

Shields most acclaimed work includes launching Australia’s first 4G network and spearheading the invention of Facebook audio status updates through his work with Telstra. On joining the S&E team, Shields said: “S&E have a strong creative track record and I’m delighted to join the team here. The clients, people and work are brilliant. I’m eager to get started helping our clients create impact and better connect with people through the things they are most passionate about.”

In addition to Shields, S&E have recently appointed Luke Haynes (right in photo) to senior account director. He joins from RPM London where he made a big impact on a number of brands including Sky, British Cycling, Heineken and Middlesex Cricket.

Haynes led the Sky account, chiefly looking after their multiple award-winning partnership with British Cycling. He championed over one million Brits to use their bikes as preferred transport. Additionally, Haynes played an integral role across the brand’s activations around the London and Rio Olympics as well as Team Sky’s multiple wins at Tour de France.

The company has leveraged almost every major sporting event in the country, identifying consumer passion points and creating impact through the things people love. The specialist agency boasts an impressive client portfolio including Woolworths, Reebok, IAG, Steggles, Powerade and CommBank among others.