David Whittle appointed MD of M&C Saatchi
M&C Saatchi has become one of the few large Australian creative agencies with a boss from a digital background following the appointment of David Whittle as national MD.
Whittle, who launched M&C Saatchi’s direct and digital arm Mark three years ago, will report in to worldwide chairman Tom Dery and creative partner Tom McFarlane in the new role.
Whittle’s promotion comes nine months after M&C Saatchi created a new structure with a board of seven management partners including Whittle.
Dery said: “David is the ideal person to propel us forward into a future that will be increasingly defined by seamless digital integration. David has an intrinsic understanding of ideas that still lie at the very core of this industry. He has a very well rounded knowledge base and skill set.”
Whittle said: “This opportunity represents a major progression in my career and I’m fortunate to be working with such an outstanding team.”
One of the few other creative agencies in Australia to put a digital person at the helm is STW’s The Brand Shop, which saw Peter Bray step up in February. Another example is Clemenger BBDO’s CEO Andy Pontin.
Tim Burrowes founded Mumbrella in 2008. He worked on Mumbrella until 2021. At various points he was editor, content director and editor-at-large. He returned to Mumbrella as Publisher in January 2025
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And who said nice guys finish last? Congrats Dave.
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congrats dave..very impressive
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David, congrats mate.
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Congrats Dave!
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I had the pleasure of presenting at a session Dave organised a few years ago to inform a potential client about digital and its potential – it was the best day of that nature I’ve ever seen, there were flash mobs for the company, social networking driven treasure hunts, all sorts of games with real messaging in them about the power of digital. This is no surprise to me based on that experience. Congratulations Dave.
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Well Done Mr. Whittle – clever man!
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Dave, this is wonderful news and very much deserved. I wish you all the very best.
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congrat’s! well done mr
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Congratulations Dave – well done!
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Great to see someone with such a solid digital background leading one of the big agencies. A change we’ll be seeing more of in the future no doubt.
Congrats Dave.
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so all RM does is bring in DJs, Westfield, Pizza Hut, Freedom and grow Woolworths but that’s not enough?
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Big congrats to my old friend Dave W on the new appt.
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Good call Nic, I reckon it bodes well for the industry as a whole.
Congrats Dave
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I know it shouldn’t be an issue, but given the emphasis on his digital background: how old is this guy?
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Good work Dave, cu next tuesday for a beer
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Gotta love Dave. The qoute says it all. Dave is focused on Dave’s career and he’s done an outstanding job in achieving such a wonderful outcome. Now, where’s the next rung!
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BD do you think he is too young to have this position or too old to be in touch with Digital?
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