DDB Melbourne group managing director Kate Sterling has departed the agency to join artificial intelligence (AI) messaging platform LivePerson as its ANZ client director.
DDB confirmed that Sterling has resigned to take up the new role at LivePerson.
“Kate Sterling has made a great contribution to our business over the last three years with the agency re-establishing a strong reputation under her leadership," DDB CEO Andrew Little says.
"We wish her all the best in her future endeavours. An announcement about her replacement will be made in due course."
Sterling joined DDB Melbourne in the top role in 2017 as part of an overhaul of the agency's structure.
During her time leading the agency, she drove a "dramatic" overhaul of the agency merging internal agencies Track and Tribal to simplify DDB’s internal structure.
She also scrapped the various P&Ls that divided newly-formed Track, Mango and DDB, which at the time she told AdNews had “dramatically changed” both the culture and the organic growth of the business.
Alongside the others in the leadership team, Sterling also spent the last year building a "pitch perfect" culture which saw the agency win ten of 13 pitches including retaining the Porsche account.
“Returning to DDB was one of the best decisions I have ever made. In three years, we’ve created an enviable culture, strong management team and produced some fabulous work I am extremely proud of," Sterling says.
"I leave the business in good hands and have no doubt they will continue to go on and achieve amazing things. After the majority of my career in advertising, I am excited about pursuing an entirely different career and opportunity.”
Sterling had previously been part of the DDB Group running the ANZ Bank business in Melbourne but prior to her return, she had been managing director at Penso.
She has also held client services roles at Start Creative, Publicis Mojo, EHS Brann and Simon Richards, as well as working client side working as marketing manager at job site SEEK.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.