M&C Saatchi's group head of Optus, Chiquita King has left the agency to head up DDB's Telstra business.
DDB confirmed the move to AdNews that King would be joining the agency, following the departure of managing partner and Telstra lead Adam Donnelley, who had been with the agency for more than two years.
King's departure comes as the Optus pitch draws to a close, with a decision due imminently.
Replacing King at M&C is Vodafone UK's global head of brand marcomms, Melissa Hopkins, returning to Sydney to take on the role.
Hopkins' role at Vodafone saw her responsible for the brand across 23 global markets, touching 450 million customers.
While there, she was instrumental in rolling out Vodafone’s largest ever commercial initiative which resulted in 14 million new customers in under 12 months.
Prior to Vodafone, Hopkins had nearly eight years at Publicis London where she held the role of head of account management.
“Melissa’s track record speaks for itself. She is simply world-class, having consistently produced amazing results in global roles, both client and agency side," M&C Saatchi Australia CEO, Jaimes Leggett, said.
While it was big move to come home to Australia, Hopkins said the opportunity to join such an “ambitious and entrepreneurial” business as M&C Saatchi was too good to pass up.
“The relationship M&C Saatchi has built with many of its clients is based on a true business partnership and trust that yield the richest insights and best work. I am thrilled to join such a future facing creative company and delivering that ethos for Optus,” she said.
AdNews understands that a decision on which agencies will be awarded the Optus account for both media and creative is due this month. M&C Saatchi has held the Optus account since 2003.
Andrew Little CEO of DDB Group Australia told AdNews King was "a fantastic hire".
"We're delighted she's joining us to lead the Telstra business. I've been watching Chiquita's career progression and the outstanding work she's done on the Westpac, and most recently, Optus account," he said.
"We also want to acknowledge the outstanding job that Adam Donnelley has done leading the Telstra business and we wish him well as he moves on to pastures new.”
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