Fran Clayton is returning to DDB Sydney as chief strategy officer after less than two years as CSO of McCann Australia.
Clayton previously held the role at DDB Sydney, but departed in 2018 at the same time former DDB CEO Nic Taylor defected to McCann.
Clayton was previously CSO of DDB Sydney before defecting to McCann with Nicole Taylor
Clayton takes over from Carl Ratcliff, who had previously replaced her in the CSO role. Earlier this month it was revealed Ratcliff had left the agency with “few things bubbling which I’ll be thrilled to talk about in due course”.
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During her previous stint at DDB Sydney, Clayton was the lead strategist on the Volkswagen Commercial vehicles pitch and spearheaded strategy for McDonald’s.
Clayton said the people and culture of DDB Sydney made it an ‘outstanding place to work’.
“My five years at DDB Sydney were amazing for many reasons but most importantly, the culture and the people make it an outstanding place to work and create. I couldn’t be happier to return home to the agency and get another opportunity to another opportunity to work on big challenges for iconic brands,” she said.
DDB Australia CEO, Andrew Little, welcomed Clayton back to the business.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Fran back to DDB. She is a world-class thinker and we couldn’t be happier she is returning to lead our strategy offering,” Little said.
“With Priya, Tara and Fran leading the Sydney office, I have no doubt the agency will continue to be an unstoppable force.”
Clayton’s departure from McCann follows its acquisition in early February by former CEO Ben Lilley.
Taylor replaced Lilley as CEO of McCann after he announced his departure in February of 2018. Taylor moved overseas at the end of last year to join DDB Group bespoke agency C14torce.