Anthony Gregorio steps down as Saatchi & Saatchi CEO; bespoke agency boss steps in
Saatchi & Saatchi Australia CEO, Anthony Gregorio is stepping down from his role, with managing director of Publicis’ bespoke Lexus team, Patrick Rowe appointed as replacement.
Publicis Groupe ANZ CEO, Michael Rebelo said: “I deeply respect, support and understand Ant’s decision to take some time out and consider his next chapter. Over the past five years, his leadership has helped shape the agency’s distinctive culture, our client partnerships and creative product, and we wish him the very best for what lies ahead.
Rowe steps in to the Saatchi’s hot seat
Rowe will continue to lead Team One, Publicis’ bespoke Lexus agency, alongside his remit as Saatchi & Saatchi boss.
Rebelo continued: “As Pat Rowe steps into the CEO role, we are confident that he is best placed to progress the agency to its next stage of growth, delivering marketing transformation solutions to our clients. In promoting from within, we have tapped a highly-credentialed leader who has been with the Publicis network for over 20 years. Leading creative agencies is in Pat’s DNA – more recently focused on effectively applying creativity in CX, data and technology.”
On his departure, Gregorio said: “I’m incredibly proud of the team I have worked with, the clients we have partnered with and the amazing work that has built brands and careers. This made my decision to leave tougher than I expected, knowing that I will be leaving a great team of people and clients behind.
Outgoing CEO, Anthony Gregorio
“The ‘Nothing is Impossible’ spirit embedded within my team has got us through a period of uncertainty and immense change over the last few years.
“I have given everything to this role over the last five years and the time is right for me to take some time out and consider my next adventure. I know the agency is in great shape to take on future opportunities and challenges under the exceedingly capable hands of Pat, someone I have worked alongside and admire enormously.”
Prior to taking the reins at Team One last year, Rowe was managing director at Publicis Emil, another of the group’s bespoke offerings, also holding the title of general manager at Leo Burnett during his 16 year stint at the agency.
Rowe added: “It is a huge privilege to lead Saatchi & Saatchi – one of the most famous creative brands in Australia and a company bursting with some of the most talented people I know. I’m looking forward to continuing the legacy Ant has created at the agency, by producing great work that builds brands and unlocks growth both for our clients and our people. And to make sure we have fun doing it.”
He will begin the role on 1 February.
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Calum Jaspan was news editor at Mumbrella, based in Melbourne. He was also the producer and host of the Mumbrellacast. He left Mumbrella in May 2023.
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Surely there was a female option in the agency group. There has only been one female CEO since Saatchi started in Australia. This is appalling.
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The one female you’re referring to was my boss for a short period of time. It was not a successful period for the agency – to say the least. Also Pauly Grant has an amazing influence as a strong woman within the Pub group. Just find the right person. I would have thought Ant was brilliant – wonder why he left?
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There might well have been. They may have been a terrific candidate. But they might not have been the best person for the job. That is not exactly “appalling”.
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It would be appalling if genuine, qualified female applicant was passed over for a male applicant. Who are you to cast aspersions on the hiring process and suitability of the replacement without any knowledge of the situation?
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That’s my point. Neither of us were privy to the hiring process, hence being “appalled” is speculative and dismissive of the successful talent’s capabilities (who I do not know, but wish them the best of luck in the role) irrespective of which bathroom they use.
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