Saatchi NZ fills ECD role with Ogilvy New York’s Antonio Navas
Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand has raided Ogilvy & Mather New York to replace executive creative director Dylan Harrison, who left the agency in September 2010.
Antonio Navas, famed for directing the official video for the 2010 World Cup – ‘Waka Waka: This time for Africa’ – joins with a CV that includes stints at Goodby Silverstein and Partners, Amster Yard, FCB San Francisco and BBDO New York.
Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand CEO, Nicola Bell, who worked with the Venezualan while in New York, said Navas’ appointment was the result of a lengthy national and international search to find the right person for the role.
The Navas appointment comes seven months after the departure of Harrison, who followed ex-ECD Mike O’Sullivan and CEO Andrew Stone out the door in relatively quick succession in a difficult period for Saatchis New Zealand.
Bell, who replaced Stone in December 2009, said of Navas: “Antonio understands how creative thinking can change businesses and brands and has proven this across different cultures. He is a genuine catalyst in a creative environment.”
Navas commented: “I have always admired the work that has come out of New Zealand. It’s often a little ‘out there’ and feels like it could only come from people that live life with intense optimism and a fresh perspective.”
“I’ve particularly admired Saatchi & Saatchi’s New Zealand creative reputation from afar, so I’m excited to be part of its next incarnation. I’m also happy to be reunited with Nicky as I think we created some incredible work together in New York.”
Navas starts in May.
