The Monkeys have announced its new Melbourne-based CEO with the appointment of Paul McMillan. The agency has also hired its new head of strategy for Melbourne Michael Derepas. 

Involved in some of Australia’s most effective and creatively awarded campaigns, McMillan joins The Monkeys after leaving his role as managing director at Clemenger BBDO Melbourne where he was responsible for managing a staff of over 350 and a client roster including some of the country’s most respected clients. Making his mark in the industry running the Carlton and United Breweries account, McMillan’s time at Clemenger BBDO Melbourne has been filled with impressive work and industry accolades, including most recently Cannes Agency of the Year and D&AD Agency of The Year.

Commenting on his appointment with The Monkeys, McMillan said: “Joining The Monkeys to head up the Melbourne office is a great opportunity. They have built a world class creative reputation and now in conjunction with Accenture Interactive they can really shape where the industry is going. I am really looking forward to working with the founders and building the latest chapter in Melbourne.”  

Recognised as the number three ‘Planning Director in the World’ by the 2017 Big Won Report, Derepas joins The Monkeys as head of strategy with a remit to break new creative ground for the agency’s growing list of Melbourne-based clients.

He departs Clemenger BBDO Melbourne, where during his 11-year stint, he helped to reinvigorate and reposition some of Australia’s best-loved brands, including Mars, Fonterra, Mercedes-Benz, Bonds and TAC. During his tenure, the agency secured much recognition for globally loved campaigns for CUB brands Carlton Draught, Victoria Bitter, Pure Blonde and Corona, and most recently the coveted Yellow and Graphite pencils for Bonds ‘Balls’ and a Wood pencil for Snickers ‘Hungerithm’.

Derepas said: “Being part of a team that gets to open a new office for The Monkeys in Melbourne was too good an opportunity to ignore. For a planner the opportunity to combine the creativity of The Monkeys with the tech, digital and data capability of Accenture Interactive is really exciting.”

The Monkeys co-founder and group CEO, Mark Green said of the appointments: “We are delighted to welcome Paul and Mike to the team. They have worked on some of Australia’s most famous campaigns across multiple brands and agencies. They will help us build a great business in the Melbourne market as we begin to service new clients such as Holden.”