Anthony Gregorio appointed CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi as Mike Rebelo focuses on Publicis role
Former Havas CEO Anthony Gregorio will take the reins of Saatchi & Saatchi Australia, with long-standing boss Mike Rebelo stepping down from his role after six years.
Rebelo was promoted to Publicis Communications Group CEO in February last year, and will now will leave Saatchi & Saatchi Australia in the hands of Gregorio, while he focuses his energy on leading Publicis across Australia and New Zealand.
New CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi Australia Anthony Gregorio with current CEO Mike Rebelo, who will focus on his other roles
Rebelo first joined the Australian arm of Saatchi & Saatchi in 2011, and since then has been appointed chairman of Australia & New Zealand as well as chief executive officer for ANZ, a role which he took on early last year.
Meanwhile, Gregorio left Havas in October last year, following the merger of Havas and Host. The agency is now known as Host/Havas.
In almost eight years with Havas, Gregorio’s agency won the inaugural Grand Prix for effectiveness in Cannes as well as a Black Pencil at D&AD Awards.
Rebelo said while it had been a privilege to run Saatchi & Saatchi Australia, it was time for a change.
“I’ve known Anthony as a fellow leader in our industry and have always had a great deal of admiration for his strength of values, his character and for the impact he’s made on the agency’s business, product and the cultures he’s led,” Rebelo said.
“I’ve been privileged and lucky to be doing my dream job for the past six years, but now it’s time for a change and I couldn’t think of anyone better to take the brand, our clients and people to new places.
“I’d like to thank my team and clients in both Sydney and Melbourne for their inspiration and commitment over the years. I won’t be going far so will continue to support our people, clients and Anthony from my role as Publicis Communications CEO.”
Gregorio said he was both honoured and excited to join the company, describing it as a brand he had always “admired” and one “with an amazing legacy”.
“Now more than ever, the power of creativity to create a business advantage is crucial for our clients. I look forward to building on what Mike has achieved, working alongside chief creative officer Mike Spirkovski and the team,” Gregorio said.
Spirkovski was appointed national chief creative officer in April last year. His appointment coincided with that of Sesh Moodley as deputy executive creative director for the agency’s Sydney arm.
It also followed the management shake up at Publicis which saw Rebelo and former Leo Burnett Melbourne CEO Melinda Geertz promoted.
Congrats Anthony, well done
User ID not verified.
Good call Mike. Great cultural fit for your clients and the people who have helped you rebuild the agency over the last six years. Congratulations Anthony a very hard act to follow, but a wonderful opportunity.
Richard.
User ID not verified.
Wise hire Saatchis
Ant is formidable in his ability to unite and inspire those he leads to build success.
User ID not verified.
this is a brilliant hire – congrats Ant and Mike
User ID not verified.
Fantastic news . Congrats Ant !
User ID not verified.
Congrats again Ant. Great to see you back, and looking forward to that beer.
User ID not verified.
Well that’s going to blow the surfing time Ant!
Great hire S&S.
Could not find a better CEO. Congratulations all round. Lucky Saatchi.
User ID not verified.