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M&C Saatchi continues restructure with new AUNZ CEO

M&C Saatchi has promoted Michael McEwan to the newly created role of CEO for M&C Saatchi Australia and New Zealand as part of the agency’s new national structure.

The appointment is the latest in a number of changes at the agency, which was earlier this month revealed to have made a number of “isolated redundancies”, confirmed by Group CEO Justin Graham to be in the ballpark of 10. Graham told Mumbrella that the redundancies were part of a restructure as the agency worked towards a more connected national model.

L-R: Emma Robbins, Michael McEwan, Justin Graham, Emily Taylor and Cam Blackley

Of the restructure, Justin Graham told Mumbrella:

“The national M&C Saatchi agency structure has been an ongoing process this year as we continually reshape our business to best serve our clients. We believe that location shouldn’t restrict access to the best talent and capabilities at the right time to make us more agile and more connected than ever for our clients. And now the agency leadership team structure reflects this too.”

Hints of the restructure came when Emma Robbins was elevated to the newly created role of national executive creative director several months ago, with M&C Saatchi offering that the new role had been designed to create broader opportunities for creative solutions across the agency’s Australian network.

Having first joined the agency’s Melbourne office as managing director in late 2019, and late joint national managing director with Sian Cook, McEwan’s new role as CEO for M&C Saatchi AUNZ will see him report directly to Justin Graham.

Of the appointment, Graham said: “Michael has gone from strength to strength within the M&C Saatchi Group. Now elevated to the CEO role, he will run at multiple new business opportunities with our borderless creative offering.”

McEwan added: “I’m excited about the opportunity to further help lead M&C Saatchi’s growth, bringing our diverse and specialised thinkers together to create more brilliant work and exceptional outcomes for our clients. Every day I’m reminded that creativity is still the single biggest competitive advantage in business, playing a powerful role in achieving big ambitions.

“Equally, our industry in partnership with our incredible clients provides a unique responsibility and platform to have a voice to drive positivity and progress. It’s what I believe those in our team care about and where they want to focus their talent and energy. Opportunities to make a difference and apply our creativity are all around us, it’s certainly an exciting time.”

The national restructure began earlier this year with the promotion of Emma Robbins to national executive creative director, reporting into Cam Blackley, chief creative officer. Michael’s new role will come into effect as of January 2023.

Robbins said: “I am super excited about the new structure and working to bring more connection and specialisation across the Group.”

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