DDB Group Melbourne Names Katie Firth Managing Partner

DDB Group Melbourne has appointed Katie Firth as managing partner. 

She joins from whiteGREY, where she was national managing director and a WPP AUNZ Melbourne Market Lead. Firth has also worked at TBWA, Cummins&Partners, CHE Proximity, and Publicis Mojo, on work recognised at award shows including the Cannes Lions, Effies, WARC, and D&AD.

She brings more than 20 years’ experience to DDB Melbourne, across clients including ANZ, Medibank, Jeep, Nissan, Mars Petcare, AGL, and multiple state tourism bodies. 

Her appointment continues the agency’s momentum, following the recent additions of executive creative director Psembi Kinstan, head of planning Matt Pearce, and national chief creative officer Stephen de Wolf. DDB also announced that Sheryl Marjoram will begin as DDB Group Sydney CEO in the new year.

DDB Group Melbourne Managing Director Mike Napolitano said: “Katie has built one of the most enviable reputations in our industry, and it says a lot about the team we are building here that she has chosen to join us.  

“I know that alongside our leadership group, including Psembi, Matt, and Wolfie, she'll have a huge impact on the work, and help our clients continue to dominate their categories. With this team, great things lie ahead for DDB Group Melbourne.”

DDB Melbourne Managing Partner Katie Firth said: “DDB wants the same thing as I do: To make the best and most impactful work that makes our clients famous.

“I’ve worked with Mike previously, and he is one of the best in the industry. I look forward to partnering with him and the team to continue growing DDB Group Melbourne. I can’t wait to see what we do together.”

Firth is also a mentor in The Trenches program, a guest speaker for the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA), and a judge of several local awards shows.

She will start with DDB Melbourne in November.