DDB Melbourne restructures with group MD appointment as Brown exits
DDB Melbourne has undergone another major restructure just months after the departure of its executive creative director Darren Spiller, with the announcement that DDB Melbourne MD Dave Brown will be replaced by Kate Sterling.
Kate Sterling to take over from Dave Brown as Group MD at DDB
Sterling, a former DDB staffer who was MD of Melbourne agency Penso, joins the agency in what has been described as a newly-created group role that also oversees DDB’s other Melbourne agencies, including Mango and Tribal.
The move follows the relocation of a large percentage of DDB Melbourne’s work with Westpac to the Sydney agency, where the account is overseen.
DDB Group Australia CEO Andrew Little, said the departure of Brown and the recruitment of Sterling was part of a restructure of the Melbourne agency’s business operations.
“We are delighted Kate is returning to DDB Melbourne. She has proven herself an outstanding, driven and entrepreneurial business leader and I believe one of the best the industry has to offer,” Little said.
“Kate is a true champion of diversity, innovation and growth.”
Prior to her role at Penso, Sterling was also marketing manager with Seek, having last worked at DDB in 2011.
The moves cap a challenging few months for the agency which saw Spiller leave late last year, to re-emerge in Sydney in January as Host agency’s first chief creative officer.
DDB Melbourne has also seen the departure of the award-winning Devondale account, which is understood to be continuing a review of its agency options.
Sterling said she was looking forward to the new role.
“I look forward to leading the team and ensuring we’re strategically positioned for strong growth over the coming months,” Sterling said.
Brown: is departing DDB Melbourne as part of a restructure of the agency’s business operations
Little thanked Brown for his time at the agency.
“Dave this week has left the business and we would like to thank him for his dedication and commitment during his tenure and wish him well with his future ventures,” Little said.
Congrats Kate
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Congratulations Kate. I am so proud of you on this appointment. When you were at Mojo you were headed for great things. I think this is an example of a women reaching seniority on capabilities as it should be. DDB are very lucky to have you back. Breaking the barriers on capabilities is the goal. You little gun xxx
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DDB Melbourne leadership has been a revolving door over the past 5 years. It’s great to get these feel good pieces and I’m sure the new MD is excellent, but at some point the spotlight needs to go on the person making these appointments and the bad decisions being made. It’s no wonder clients and staff are leading such a rudderless ship
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Same could be said of Sydney – 3 ECDs in less than 3 years.
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