Ogilvy has recruited Archibald Ingall Stretton creative partner Brett Howlett to run the creative department in Sydney.
Howlett joins Ogilvy Sydney as executive creative director. He replaces Chris Ford, who returned to his native San Francisco in May for family reasons.
Ford's departure came amidst a raft of changes at Ogilvy, including the promotion of Melbourne boss Andrew Baxter to national chief executive. At the time, Ogilvy said it would look at potentially appointing a chief creative officer to oversee creative out of both Sydney and Melbourne offices, rather than replace Ford directly.
Ogilvy Australia executive chairman Tom Moult told AdNews they had decided to appoint two executive creative directors rather than a chief creative officer due to the scale of the business.
The Melbourne executive creative director position is still vacant following Michael Knox's departure to Grey Melbourne. Knox replaced Ant Shannon who resigned from Grey in April.
Howlett, originally from Melbourne, returns to Australia after an 11-year stint in the US. In the US, Howlett has worked for Archibald Ingall Stretton, M&C Saatchi, Deutsch and Bozell. In Australia, he has worked for Foster Nunn Loveder.
Moult said: "We're very excited that Brett is joining the agency and will lead our talented creative team. We were able to persuade Brett that after 11 years in New York, it was time for him to come home. We've found an international creative director that just happens to be a local boy."
Howlett said: "I've spent the last 11 years applying what I learned as a creative in Australia to business in New York. This is a huge opportunity to now bring 20 years of advertising experience to a great agency brand, with an iconic client list, and a bunch of very clever people."
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