Clemenger strategist Simon Wassef jumps to M+C Saatchi
From left: - M+C Saatchi Group ANZ's Dani Bassil, Emma Robbins and Simon Wassef
M+C Saatchi ANZ has tapped Clemenger BBDO’s Simon Wassef to be its group chief strategy officer.
Wassef will join the agency in the new year after recently resigning from Clemenger, where he spent two years as chief strategy and experience officer.
A Clemenger BBDO spokesperson said the agency was “well-progressed in [its] appointment” of Wassef’s replacement, adding: “Clemenger BBDO thanks Simon for his contribution over the past two years, particularly through our agency integration and for his leadership during that time.”
M+C Saatchi ANZ has previously had CSOs, most recently Emily Taylor, who left in March 2024, and Nicholas Jacobs who departed in December 2024.
However, Mumbrella understands these roles focused primarily on advertising, while Wassef’s role marks the first consolidated CSO across all units.
Wassef previously spent three years as CSO for AKQA Group in Sydney and two years in the same role at TBWA\Chiat\Day in Los Angeles.
His arrival at M+C Saatchi follows several recent leadership changes in the local operation, starting with fellow Clemenger alumna Dani Bassil as group CEO in May and, more recently, Emma Robbins’ elevation to group chief creative officer.
“I build teams and capabilities for modern businesses who want to win,” Wassef said in a statement. “M+C is the best place to build: grown up, in control of its destiny and 100% focused on client success. And Dani and Emma are the best people to build with. I’m really excited.”
Bassil added that Wassef “brings a rare mix of intelligence, empathy and creative drive that will add so much to our leadership team and our clients’ businesses.”
The appointment also follows several recent hires, including Topher Jones, formerly of The Monkeys, as client experience director; Thinkerbell’s Louise Rutherford as client partner; and Howatson+Co’s Jeremy Hogg as national executive creative director.
As outlined in its recent half-year report, M+C Saatchi ANZ has restructured its operation, which included closing the unprofitable full-service media business Bohemia. The move is designed to focus on “higher growth areas, remove duplication and improve margins,” with estimated savings of around A$14 million.
The appointment of new leaders forms part of a “responsive action” by the agency to address a challenging 2024 of client losses, including Tourism Australia, which led to a 26.5% revenue fall in the first half of 2025.
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