M&C Saatchi has been named the most innovative company in Australia by the Australian Financial Review.
Ironically, it was also awarded the Best Product Innovation and the Best Overall Innovation for the the bush fire detection technology, Fire Blanket, it developed for NRMA, which last week shifted its creative business out of the agency and into The Monkeys.
CEO Jaimes Leggett says: “We’re honoured to be named the most innovative company in Australia. To be ranked alongside those disrupting markets, building products and changing the world is humbling. It’s a great accolade for all in the industry and an important marker of the value we bring to clients. Every business in every market is being disrupted. Creativity as a means of driving business transformation is profound, and Australia needs it more now than ever.”
M&C, which was sixth on the list last year, is one of three advertising companies in the Top Ten list which was revealed last night. More than 1000 companies entered. It is compiled by consultancy firm Inventium and defines innovation as “change that adds value”.
Leo Burnett was named in fourth - boosting its position from last year - while CHE Proximity came in seventh.
Leos Sydney CEO: Pete Bosilkovski, says: “Our unwavering focus on consumer first innovation has transformed our business and the services we offer our client partners. At a time when brands face fierce competition and disruption, we believe innovation plays a critical role in not only keeping brands competitive and relevant, but in helping to future proof their growth, and change the rules of the game.
The new experience economy is very exciting for us as it’s creating new opportunities for our business and client partners. We are very proud that our company strategy and lateral innovation solutions have been recognised again as part of The AFR’s Most Innovative Companies list for the second year.”
Also on the list was Deloitte in sixth, Health, Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology company Planet Innovation; Retail, Wholesale & Distribution firm Custom Innovation Co; Professional Services company Aurecon; postage and transportation firm Sendle; IT and telecoms company InfoTrack, and retail and distribution company Neto.
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