Publicis Communications has today announced changes to its line-up of strategic leaders with the appointment of a new chief strategy officer for creative agency, Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney, and new chief strategy integration officer for Publicis Communications.
Appointed to the newly created role of chief strategy integration officer for Publicis Communications, is Kate Smither (left in photo). Assigned strategic lead on the recently won Campbell Arnott’s account, Smither will work with Publicis Communications ANZ CEO, Michael Rebelo.
Smither has been with Saatchi & Saatchi for three years, having previously worked across major roles in both Australia and the United Kingdom. With work recognised by all of the major creative and effectiveness awards, Smither was global planning director on Dove, and contributed to the success of the Dove ‘Real Beauty Sketches’ campaign.
Set to fill Smither’s role as chief strategy officer of creative agency Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney, is Iona Macgregor (right in photo). She arrives from award-winning creative shop, Marcel Sydney.
Macgregor has been with the Publicis Groupe for 10 years, having worked at Sapient Razorfish Paris, Marcel Paris and then at Marcel Sydney. She has led integrated strategy departments; bringing together brand planners with social strategists and UX designers, to create innovative work such as Intermarche’s ‘Inglorious Fruit & Veg’ in Paris, and Tiger Beer’s ‘Air-Ink’ in Sydney.
Michael Rebelo, CEO of Publicis Communications ANZ, said: “We are extremely fortunate to have two of the finest strategic minds in the business, and to create pathways of growth for each of them. I’m pleased to continue to work with Kate in her new role, and look forward to watching the impact Iona is sure to make on Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney and its clients.”
Smither said: “It’s a big challenge and a privilege to be steering the strategic direction of the Campbell Arnott’s Asia Pacific business and to be a part of such a progressive agency model. Working closely with Mike Rebelo as he transforms the narrative of Publicis in this market is a real honour, and leaving the reigns of Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney to the brilliant Iona is an added bonus.”
Iona Macgregor added: “It feels like Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney has a great mix of bold culture, deep local insight and interesting smart talent – just what you need to handle today’s challenges. Kate has hired exceptional planners that I’m very lucky to have on the team.”
Anthony Gregorio, CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi Australia, said: “I’m thrilled for Kate as it’s a fantastic opportunity that she is sure to excel at. To be able to replace her seamlessly with a talented strategic leader in Iona Macgregor is something we are all very excited about. Along with Alex Speakman in Melbourne, I’m blessed to have such exceptional planning leadership.”
