DiLallo
M&C Saatchi has poached Leo Burnett’s chief creative officer Andy DiLallo, appointing him to the newly-created role of chief creative officer.
DiLallo, one of the most highly awarded creatives in Australia, joins the agency after eight years with Leo Burnett. He has also worked with JWT and Saatchi & Saatchi.
Tom McFarlane, who remains as M&C Saatchi regional creative director said: “After searching locally and internationally for over 12 months, Andy remained our target. His creative credentials, leadership experience and global perspective made him the perfect candidate for the job.
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“With CEO Jaimes Leggett now well and truly settled in and doing a remarkable job, along with chief strategy officer Justin Graham, now is the perfect time to step up a gear creatively.
“Together Andy, Jaimes and Justin will be a powerful partnership, and nobody knows better than me the value of a strong agency partnership – having been privileged to work side-by-side with Tom Dery for over 20 years building M&C Saatchi into one of the most successful agencies in Australia.”
DiLallo’s appointment will enable McFarlane to “focus on key business within the agency’s global network which has undergone significant recent growth” according to the press release announcing the appointment.
Ben Welsh will remain as executive creative director across the group in Sydney while Paul Taylor will remain in the same role across the Melbourne office.
Leggett said: “Andy is world class. His creative record speaks for itself. With the talent we have in the agency and the clients on our roster, I have no doubt that Andy will take the work to another level.”
Commenting on his appointment DiLallo said: “I believe the only thing to fear is complacency. Change is something to embrace.
“The time has come for me to change direction, but not course. M&C Saatchi is one of the great Australian advertising brands, hugely respected among both clients and peers. I’m ready to help Jaimes and Justin lead M&C Saatchi as they continue to grow and shape Australia’s biggest brands.”
M&C Saatchi clients include Commonwealth Bank, Lexus, Wotif, Etihad and Optus.
On DiLallo’s departure, Leo Burnett Sydney managing director Pete Bosilkovski said: “Andy has been an important part of our team for a long time and while we’ll certainly miss him, we’re also thrilled for his next move. Change brings new opportunity for the company and with succession planning already in place, we’re excited about the new creative chapter it opens.”
Miranda Ward