Saatchi & Saatchi chief strategy officer Kate Smither has been promoted to a wider role within Publicis Communications following the win of the Campbell Arnott's account, AdNews can reveal.
Marcel's chief strategy officer Iona Macgregor will replace her at Saatchi & Saatchi.
Smither, who joined Saatchi & Saatchi from M&C Saatchi Australia in 2016, becomes strategy integration officer for Publicis Communications and the lead strategist on the Campbell Arnott's account.
Publicis won the Campbell Arnott's business globally in May this year and announced it would build a bespoke unit to service the account, now led Publicis Communications AUNZ CEO Michael Rebelo.
Smither said it's been a challenge and privilege to be steering the strategic direction for Campbell Arnott's and be part of such a progressive agency model.
Macgregor fills Smither's role, moving over from stable mate Marcel where she has been chief strategy officer for two years.
She has been with the Publicis Groupe for 10 years, having worked at Sapient Razorfish Paris, Marcel Paris and then at Marcel Sydney.
“It feels like Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney has a great mix of bold culture, deep local insight and interesting smart talent – just what you need to handle today’s challenges. Kate has hired exceptional planners that I’m very lucky to have on the team," Macgregor said.
Marcel strategy director Clinton Duncan will step up to fill Macgregor's role.
Rebelo said growth within Publicis Communications has created new opportunities for staff and the creative business is "extremely fortunate" to have a strong strategic line up.
"I’m pleased to continue to work with Kate in her new role, and look forward to watching the impact Iona is sure to make on Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney and its clients," Rebelo said.
Anthony Gregorio, who was recently appointed CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi, said Macgregor will seamlessly replace Smither in the role.
"Along with Alex Speakman in Melbourne, I’m blessed to have such exceptional planning leadership," he said.
The strategy shakeup for Marcel follows the appointment of new leadership with Ryan Bernal taking over from Gavin Levinsohn.
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