Gavin McLeod has reappeared at San Francisco agency AKQA as executive creative director (ECD), weeks after he announced he would leave his position at R/GA.
McLeod, who was a founding member of R/GA Sydney, left the business after four years as ECD.
Gavin will lead the creative discipline and joins the executive leadership team, reporting directly to Simon Jefferson, MD of AKQA’s San Francisco office.
Jefferson says: “McLeod is passionate, entrepreneurial, highly curious and focused on creating what’s next. He’s collaborative and has built strong teams with an incredible work ethic and a proven track-record of creating award-winning work.
"He joins us at a time when we are partnering with some of the world’s best companies to help define their vision and architect the future-state of their customer experience.”
McLeod has more than 20 years experience in the creative industry, previously working at M&C Saatchi and TBWA before co-founding R/GA. His work has been recognised over the years by Cannes Lions, Clios, D&AD, Effies, One Show, and Spikes Asia.
McLeod says: “I’ve admired the work that AKQA has been doing for many years. As a company, they’ve always struck me as being fearless in pushing the boundaries. I look forward to helping the San Francisco team push these boundaries even further.”
McLeod is one of many big industry hitters to leave a top agency of late. Early in November DDB Melbourne’s award-winning chief creative officer, Darren Spiller, revealed he was exiting the agency after spending more than five years at the shop.
Some 10 days later Clemenger BBDO Sydney ECD Paul Nagy handed in his notice, with Y&R chief creative officer Ben Coulson named as his successor. Days after, M&C Saatchi chief creative officer Andy DiLallo announced he would depart the agency after less than two years - to spend more time with his family.
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