David McIndoe Returns to DDB Aotearoa as CSO

DDB Group Aotearoa is excited to announce the return of one of New Zealand’s most awarded and popular strategists, David McIndoe. David is returning to the Group as their chief strategy officer following postings at TBWA and Saatchi & Saatchi.

Over a career spanning 20 years, David has led the charge on many of New Zealand’s most-loved brands, from banking to beer and everything in-between. He brings deep experience working with large, complex organisations, managing diverse brand and marketing requirements.

The team are particularly thrilled to be welcoming back a ‘boomerang’ into this key leadership role.

David was DDB’s planning director from 2010 – 2013, and was integral on a range of award-winning campaigns, including the return of the classic Steinlager ‘Original White Can’ and Sky’s ‘Happy Place’ work, which saw both brands enter significant growth periods.

David is one of New Zealand’s most awarded strategists with countless Effies and regional awards to his name including a coveted Cannes Black Lion. David says he has his background in economics and psychology to thank when it comes to producing top-tier work.

“These two areas allow me to form a broad perspective on the human, market and cultural forces that combine to shape consumer behaviour,” he said. David is a staunch advocate for effectiveness in the industry, having served on the Effie’s steering committee since 2018 and he is an ongoing contributor to various strategy development programmes. “I am delighted to be returning home to DDB Group and working alongside some of New Zealand’s best and brightest talent.”

DDB Group Aotearoa CEO Priya Patel said the Group were “thrilled” to have such an incredible talent back at the agency.

“David is one of the biggest brains in the industry and it is a privilege to have him back on our team. We know he will help build on DDB Group’s positive momentum and lead an already brilliant strategy team to even greater success. Plus, he’s a very very nice man,” Priya said.

“I’m looking forward to partenering with someone who values the creative product as much as the client business problem. I know he will help make our ideas even stronger,” adds Matty Burton, DDB Group chief creative officer.

When he’s not cooking up the next ground-breaking advertising campaign, David loves hanging out with his wife and three teenage daughters, playing the guitar, boating and a round of golf. The epitome of a very talented and nice man.