M&C Saatchi’s Ben Welsh Gets New Gig As Head Creative Of Asia
Global independent advertising network, M&C Saatchi, has announced that Ben Welsh, formerly executive creative director at M&C Saatchi Sydney, is to be appointed as creative chairman of Asia.
The appointment of Welsh marks a change in emphasis for the Network. Asia as a region has changed dramatically in recent years – China took over as the largest economy from the US in 2014, India has the fastest growing advertising industry in the world and Japan is the second most innovative country in the world.
The addition of Welsh demonstrates the Network’s spotlight on Asia.
Welsh’s focus will be pitching for both International and National brands in each region, attracting creative talent and developing the creative output of the five Agencies the Network runs there.
Welsh has helped to establish M&C Saatchi Sydney as the leading creative shop in Australia – and has led the agency to its biggest trophy-haul yet at Cannes this year, consolidating its position as the country’s number one creative agency. M&C Saatchi Australia came home with a coveted Titanium Lion, one of only five up for grabs, to cap off a 10-Lion haul.
Moray MacLennan, CEO Worldwide at M&C Saatchi, commented: “This appointment underlines our commitment to the core of our business – the creative product. Ben is the best combination of strategic thinker and creative leader. Add in his boundless energy and Asia will be hugely strengthened. He is also an excellent brand ambassador for M&C Saatchi having worked for us for the last 18 years.”
Welsh added: “I’m really excited at the thought of what we can do in the region. We have some brilliant people and I look forward to working with them to create an impact in such a diverse part of the world.”
Welsh will start his new role on 1 October. His appointment follows the departure of Chris Jacques who was Regional CEO. He will be based in Sydney but regularly travelling to Singapore, New Delhi, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai and Tokyo.
Welsh joined M&C Saatchi Sydney in 1997 as a senior writer and was then promoted to creative director in 2003. Previously, he led a team of over 50 creatives working across digital, direct, retail and above the line media in Australia’s largest agency. As well as winning numerous Australian and international awards, he has also served on industry panels, such as creative juries for the Cannes Lions and D&AD.
Latest News
Shopper Promotes Within Its NSW Sales Team
Shopper has promoted Samantha Barron to Group Sales Manager and Jessica White to Business Manager in Sydney to strengthen agency partnerships and continue providing best-in-market sales support to Shopper’s NSW agency clients.
Telstra Announces Payphones Will Now Be Free
Telstra has announced its plans to make all payphones in Australia free, aiming to help struggling Aussies. Despite the fact that payphones may seem to have become obsolete, thanks to mobiles. There are still 15,000 Telstra payphones in Australia. Last year Australia made 11 million calls from payphones, including more than 230,000 calls to vital […]
The Moonman Teams Up With Author Matthew Hardy For ‘Saturday Afternoon Fever’ LiSTNR Podcast
The Moonman, of course, is a radio personality. Although he could easily be mistaken for a serial bottom flasher.
Billie Eilish Lends New Song To Dodge’s “Power Uncaged” Campaign
If it's got wonderkid Billie Eilish in it, it has to be great. Although, admittedly, this errs a tad on the shit side.
LG Kicks Off “Life’s Good” Campaign In Australia With Musician Stan Walker
This campaign sort of works like a karaoke competition, just sans the drunkenness at 3am and abysmal Céline renditions.
Majella Pinnuck Returns To Anna Whitlam People As Senior Associate, Executive Search, Corporate Affairs & Communications
To mark Majella Pinnuck’s return, AWP spoke to her about why she has come back, the hybrid that skills that today’s large organisations need in their corporate affairs and communications professionals, and the challenge of finding candidates with the right skillset. Pinnuck (pictured) started at AWP after she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Law […]
B&T’s Tokyo Olympics Wrap: Sexism, Cockiness & Hot Athletes
Why read The Daily Mail or News.com.au for your daily Olympic stuff-ups, when B&T's cut & pasted the best of it here.
Shutterstock Announces Formation Of Shutterstock.AI
Shutterstock.AI yet to announce the employment of any actual droids, although it does have adjustable light settings.
Initiative Crowned Top Performing Media Agency For June’s Record Month
Initiative's glass recycling bin lid requiring an extra tender push this month following celebrations over this win.
Thinkerbell Retains Top Spot For New Wins For June, As Clems Has An Absolute Flyer
Gold for Thinkerbell, silver for Clems & bronze for Special Group in R3 rankings. And a bag of Allen's teeth for fourth.
This New Apple Watch Ad Will Make You Want To Start That Health Kick
Packed on so much weight in lockdown you fear getting door-knocked by A Current Affair? Could this expensive watch help?
Don’t Miss Out! Register Now For B&T’s Changing The Ratio Webinar
Changing The Ratio is one webinar you DO NOT want to miss! Larry Emdur's Yodelling Masterclass arguably another one.
“If It Has A Point Of Difference, We’re Winning”: 10’s Chief Sales Officer Rod Prosser On The Network’s Future
B&T chats with 10's chief sales officer, Rod Prosser. We stopped short of asking him his favourite Olympic sport on TV.
Monday TV Wrap: Olympics Sees 500,000 Fall From Sunday, But Still Easily Nabs Top Spot
You'd have to say Seven's Olympic TV numbers are on steroids! Despite that being a rather unfortunate analogy.
Lion And Cricket Australia Call Last Drinks
Cricketers no longer pouring a sponsor's beer over one other after a win. Hoping Taubmans Paints isn't the new sponsor.
The MFA Launches A Diversity, Equity And Inclusion Advisory Council
The Media Federation of Australia (MFA) has launched a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council, consisting of 13 media agency professionals from diverse backgrounds, with the aim of providing guidance to the industry across all facets of diversity and inclusion. The MFA DE&I Advisory Council will promote the MFA’s ambition to build a diverse, equitable […]
Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty Is The Most Profitable Celebrity Beauty Brand
Further evidence there's more cash to be had flogging cheap lipstick than singing or acting comes this influencer list.
Gus Worland’s Gotcha4Life Launches “Mind Your Mate Pledge” Via Initiative Studio
Here's a top suicide prevention campaign B&T's more than happy to give some air to. And we can be precious with our air.
Theory Crew Snares Four New Clients
One month into the new financial year, Melbourne-based agency Theory Crew has won four new clients across the beauty and FMCG divisions. New clients include the gourmet fruit spread range from France St. Dalfour; organic tea range Higher Living, new to market Australian baby skincare range from Biophysics Group Avo Baby, and soon to be […]
SMI Data: June Delivers The Largest Ad Spend Ever In Aussie Adland History
Work at a media agency? Nervous about asking for a pay rise? Strut to the boss' office like a peacock on these numbers.
SCA Appoints 2020 Brian White Scholarship Winner As Part Of Regional Investments
SCA has appointed Commercial Radio Australia Brian White Scholarship winner Zac De Silva (pictured) to its Albury newsroom as it invests in new talent for regional radio newsrooms nationwide. De Silva received the prestigious Brian White Scholarship in 2020 and completed a paid internship at SCA as part of the award. He is just one […]
Spinach Appointed By Property Developer Beulah
Spinach has been appointed to manage the media strategy, buying and data capabilities for Australian property developer Beulah. The Melbourne-based developer has several projects in the works including STH BNK by Beulah, one of the most ambitious developments to be undertaken in Australia. With backing from the City of Melbourne’s Future Melbourne Committee, the $2 […]
Google Tells Marketers To “Rethink The Line” In Campaign Via The Hallway
Google ads are much like alcohol or toilet paper ads - we're going to use it regardless of the marketing spend.
Digitas APAC Appoints Adrian Farouk To CEO
Digitas, the Connected Marketing Agency, part of Publicis Groupe, has announced the promotion of Adrian Farouk as CEO of Digitas APAC. Farouk (pictured above) is currently CEO of Digitas & Epsilon ANZ, he will take on the new role with immediate effect whilst continuing his leadership at Epsilon, the group’s data and tech platform business […]
Adland Sexism: Where Are All The Male Voices?
Here's a top take on sexism in Australia's ad industry. It's that good, it can even translate to any industry you like.
Magnite Confirms Australian Leadership Team
Magnite (Nasdaq: MGNI), the world’s largest independent sell-side advertising platform, today announced that James Young will remain as Managing Director of Australia for Magnite following the acquisition of SpotX.
Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Pours Zenith Brisbane Its Media
Zenith Brisbane wins Bundaberg Brewed Drinks' media and, with the extra staff, creates a glass half-full conundrum.
Sports Teams Unite In Latest Campaign Against Sports Bet Advertising
Major sporting clubs and local sporting leaders have united in response to community concern about the effect of prolific sports betting advertising on young people in the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s new Love the Game campaign. The ‘Join the club’ campaign includes elite and community level players and administrators, parents, kids, umpires and coaches from […]
Haylie Marchant Appointed Executive Director Of Red Havas Brisbane
Red Havas Brisbane announces latest recruit & just in time for the Olympics which are only a few, short 11 years away.
The Monkeys ECD Vince Lagana Departs
Monkeys ECD Vince Lagana has departed the agency, but not before helping himself to those lamb chops in the freezer.
