303 MullenLowe Perth continues overhaul with new chief strategy officer
303 MullenLowe Perth has turned to international talent to fill its chief strategy officer role, bringing in overseas talent from UK brand design firm, Taxi Studio.
Matt Oakley was most recently Taxi Studio’s strategy and planning director, and is now set to relocate to Perth in June. He will join the new 303 MullenLowe Perth leadership team with MD René Migliore and chief creative officer Damian Royce.
Incoming 303 MullenLowe Perth chief strategy officer Matt Oakley
His appointment comes as part of an ongoing overhaul at the agency, which has seen its joint managing director, Todd Baker, ECD Richard Berney and head of strategy, John Linton depart.
This period also saw its 20-year relationship with Edith Cowan University come to an end. It is understood that Michael Corry, head of digital also left the Perth agency.
Migliore said Oakley’s international brand-building experience and his ability to focus on strategic effectiveness would be an ideal fit for the agency, as its integrated capabilities continue to expand.
“Matt’s ability to look strategically at any business issue and develop solutions that intersect creativity and technology is incredibly exciting, and something both our current and future clients will benefit from,” Migliore said.
“Matt’s proven experience across a range of sectors will not only bolster our ability to keep producing great work, but the kind of results that drive real change and make a clear difference to our clients’ business. We’re thrilled that of any agency across the globe, he saw the exciting opportunity to join 303 MullenLowe Perth – a market that has always punched above its weight.”
Oakley has worked with some global brands across a number of categories spanning from beverages, financial services, telcos, healthcare and FMCG during his stints across several independent UK-based agencies. He also specialised in customer experience, specifically working with financial services and utilities clients.
Commenting on his new role, Oakley said he was “thrilled” to be moving to Australia to join 303 MullenLowe and that he was impressed by the agency’s track record in effectiveness.
“Producing work that has a positive impact on a business’s bottom line is hugely important, particularly given the current global economy,” Oakley said.
“I’m looking forward to marrying 303 MullenLowe’s pedigree of robust thinking with an entrepreneurial creative spirit to further enhance our effectiveness credentials, and ultimately help the brands we work with, thrive. With all of the exceptional talent across the group, it’s an incredibly exciting time to be joining 303 MullenLowe,” he said.
Oakley will also be working alongside 303 MullenLowe Sydney’s leadership team to develop cross-market collaboration, including chief strategy officer Jody Elston, chief creative officer Bart Pawlak and strategic design expert Marque Kabbaz.
Migliore added: “In addition to his incredible brand nous, Matt’s ability to unlock new business opportunities and provide strategic counsel to clients and teams will be highly valued as we continue to guide the business through a challenging market.”
This month, Attivo also added former Dentsu Media CEO, Sue Squillace to its ranks as CEO Media, ANZ.
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