Leo Burnett announces leadership changes as Kate Silver departs, new chief creative named
Publicis Groupe’s creative arm Leo Burnett has today announced some big leadership changes, as Melbourne general manager Kate Silver departs. Her replacement, as well as its new chief creative officer and creative director, have been named.
Current national executive creative director, Andy Fergusson, has been elevated to chief creative officer effective immediately, filling the role left vacant by Jason Williams.
(L-R): Marijke Spain, Andy Fergusson
Fergusson, who has spent over four years at the agency, has been the creative lead for award-winning work for clients including Suncorp and Diageo.
He was promoted to national ECD in August 2022, after joining from Droga5 in 2020 as ECD.
Williams, Leo Burnett’s former chief creative, was promoted to head of creative excellence at Publicis Groupe at the same time, after 15 years at the creative agency.
“I’m incredibly excited to see Andy take this well-deserved next step in his career,” said Publicis Groupe’s chief creative, Dave Bowman.
“Under his leadership, Leo’s has established a reputation for category-defying creativity that has been recognised at the highest levels on the world stage. I can’t wait to see what he can achieve next with his amazing team.”
In other changes to the creative department, associate creative director Marijke Spain has been promoted to creative director.
Bowman continued: “In the same spirit, I’m equally delighted to see Marijke step into her new leadership role. Marijke has been instrumental in shaping the creative output at Leos, taking brands to new heights. And now, as creative director, she is perfectly placed to make an even more pronounced impact on the work and our clients’ businesses.”
Additionally, Kate Silver, Melbourne general manager, is departing the agency after eight years, with Julia Sheehan named as her replacement.
Sheehan
Silver joined in 2016 as a group account director, with experience at Publicis Groupe’s Saatchi&Saatchi, TBWA, AFJ Partnership, and iSelect, under her belt.
In 2020, she was promoted to chief client partner, before moving to the Melbourne general manager role in 2021.
“After almost eight fantastic years at Leo Burnett, I have decided to leave the business to spend more time with my family,” Silver explained.
“I’ve been fortunate to have worked with some amazing people, two incredible female CEOs and a swathe of excellent clients. I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved, and while I feel ready for a new chapter, I’m also sad to say goodbye to a place that has given me so much.”
Sheehan, who has served as Leo Burnett’s head of business management for over two years, will step into the general manager role from today.
As part of the Melbourne team, she has worked with clients including HBF, Saputo and Lifeblood.
“We are so pleased to see Julia step up as Melbourne GM,” Michael Rebelo, CEO of Publicis Groupe ANZ, said. “She has played an integral role in fostering some of the agency’s key client relationships.
“Together with the rest of the talented leadership team, these strategic promotions underscore Leo Burnett’s commitment to innovation and client success. I look forward to seeing Julia’s leadership and Andy’s creative prowess set new benchmarks in the industry.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Kate for her tremendous contribution to Leo Burnett and wish her the very best for the future.”
Leo Burnett’s CEO position still remains vacant, after Emma Montgomery’s surprise departure last year.
In June, Montgomery announced her departure from the agency, to head back to the United States as DDB Chicago’s CEO. It marks a return to Chicago for Montgomery, who was there as Leo Burnett’s president and chief strategy officer, prior to being its senior vice president and strategy director between 2017 and 2020.
As Melbourne general manager, Sheehan, along with Sydney GM James Walker-Smith, will continue to lead the agency in the interim.
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Lauren McNamara is a journalist at Mumbrella, covering the creative and PR beat. She joined in November 2022 as editorial assistant, after completing a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at UTS.
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Andy Fergusson
Dave Bowman
Jason Williams
Julia Sheehan
Kate Silver
Leo Burnett
Marijke Spain
Michael Rebelo
Publicis Groupe
“spending time with family” aka didn’t leave voluntarily
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