Saatchi & Saatchi NZ has promoted Lee Sunter to the newly created role of group executive creative director and has promoted Steve Cochran to creative chair.
Previously executive creative director, Sunter will be responsible for continuing to raise the standard of ideas and craft within the agency, ensuring work delivers measurable client outcomes. He will lead the creative team, partner closely with clients to shape their brand futures, and champion bold, culturally relevant thinking across the business.
Cochran transitions from his role as chief creative officer and Saatchi & Saatchi said he will provide counsel across key client relationships.
Publicis Groupe ANZ chief creative officer, Dave Bowman said: “Creative excellence is built on strong leadership and an uncompromising focus on the work. Lee is an exceptional creative leader with a deep commitment to craft, culture and client impact. He has already helped shape some of the agency’s strongest award-winning work, and I’m excited to see him lead the next chapter of Saatchi & Saatchi NZ’s creative ambition. Steve’s experience and counsel will continue to be invaluable to our people and clients.”
Sunter was creative director at Saatchi & Saatchi Australia for four years, before moving to Auckland to join the network’s NZ agency in 2023. On his appointment, Sunter said: “It’s a privilege to lead such a talented team of people who care deeply about the work and still have fun making it. I want to create an environment where people can be themselves, push each other creatively and do the best work of their careers. Everything we put into the world should be thoughtful, beautifully made and earn people’s attention. It’s not about having a style. It’s about setting the standard every piece of work has to live up to.”
Cochran said: “I’m delighted to step into this new role, continuing to contribute to the ambitions of our clients and Saatchi & Saatchi. It’s also great to see Lee and the team lead the agency through these fast-evolving times. I look forward to providing counsel and support as we build on the creative momentum that this agency relentlessly pursues.”
Both appointments are effective immediately.
