Leo Burnett Australia has made three key internal promotions, including Andy Fergusson who moves into the new role of chief creative officer, and Julia Sheehan as Melbourne general manager.
Fergusson, who was most recently national executive creative director, has been the creative lead for recent work including Suncorp’s ‘Resilience’ brand platform and Diageo’s ‘Bundy Mixer’.
In other changes to the creative department, Marijke Spain has been promoted from associate creative director to creative director.
Spain has led some of Leo Burnett’s most-awarded work over the last few years and has been instrumental in building a strong and creatively ambitious client relationship with Suncorp.
Dave Bowman, chief creative officer at Publicis Groupe, says he's incredibly excited to see Fergusson take this well-deserved next step in his career.
"Under his leadership, Leo’s has established a reputation for category-defying creativity that has been recognised at the highest levels on the world stage," says Bowman.
"I can’t wait to see what he can achieve next with his amazing team. In the same spirit, I’m equally delighted to see Marijke step into her new leadership role. Marijke has been instrumental in shaping the creative output at Leos, taking brands to new heights. And now, as creative director, she is perfectly placed to make an even more pronounced impact on the work and our clients’ businesses."
Sheehan steps into Melbourne GM from her role as head of business management. She takes over from Kate Silver, who has left the business after eight years.
As part of the Melbourne team, Sheehan has worked with clients including HBF, Saputo and Lifeblood, and has been critical to the agency’s continued growth and trusted client relationships in the seven years she has spent rising through the ranks at the agency.
Michael Rebelo, CEO of Publicis Groupe ANZ, says Sheehan has played an integral role in fostering some of the agency’s key client relationships.
"Together with the rest of the talented leadership team, these strategic promotions underscore Leo Burnett’s commitment to innovation and client success," says Rebelo.
"I look forward to seeing Julia’s leadership and Andy’s creative prowess set new benchmarks in the industry. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Kate for her tremendous contribution to Leo Burnett and wish her the very best for the future.”
Silver says after almost eight years at Leo Burnett, she has decided to leave the business to spend more time with her family.
"I’ve been fortunate to have worked with some amazing people, two incredible female CEOs and a swathe of excellent clients. I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved, and while I feel ready for a new chapter, I’m also sad to say goodbye to a place that has given me so much," she says.
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