WPP AUNZ-owned agency Ogilvy has appointed internationally awarded digital creative Gavin McLeod as executive creative director (ECD) for Sydney.
McLeod returns from San Francisco where he was ECD at AKQA, moving back Australia to take on the role with Ogilvy.
Prior to moving to San Francisco, he was the founding ECD for R/GA Sydney, helping build the business from just four employees at launch, to 80+ staff four years later.
He has also held creative leadership positions at TBWA Australia and M&C Saatchi Sydney where he rose to ECD digital and direct.
He brings more than 20 years' experience with him and has received a number of international accolades across major creativity and effectiveness awards, ranging from 18 Cannes Lions plus a number of both Australian and APAC Effies, including a Grand Prix.
Commenting on his new role, McLeod says he is looking forward to joining an agency "that has a shared belief in the power of innovative ideas and impressive capabilities to drive long-term business results."
Ogilvy CEO David Fox says McLeod's appointment followed a global search for a creative leader, able to further build Ogilvy Sydney’s creativity and technology capabilities for the long term.
"It's no secret that the future of our industry lies at the juncture of brand and CX. It is something we recognised years ago when we began implementing our 'one Ogilvy' model to focus on creative data and innovation, in addition to our legacy work in mass media," Fox says.
"But now it's time we move the agency into the next level of digital and brand experience, as our world moves towards providing a holistic customer experience. Gavin’s broad digital experience and data-led creative thinking is a perfect fit for this ongoing evolution. He understands that brand communications is not just about interrupting consumers but it’s about getting them involved in a brand and engaging them at the right time with the right message."
McLeod’s hire is one of many changes implemented at Ogilvy Australia which saw a restructure towards a "one model" approach, subsequently adopted by Ogilvy global.
"The agencies that continue to grow and thrive in this challenging market are those that couple great brand building, with impactful connections throughout the entire customer experience,” said Ogilvy Sydney managing director Sally Kissane.
"This belief is central to our culture and creative approach at Ogilvy, and something Gavin’s skillset and background will complement brilliantly."
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