Saatchi & Saatchi Australia has announced
the appointment of former M&C Saatchi's Kate Smither as its new
chief strategy officer.
Smither is one of the world's most
awarded strategists, recognised by all the major creative and
effectiveness awards. Whilst global planning director at Ogilvy in
London, her strategic leadership on Dove contributed to the success of
the Dove Real Beauty Sketches campaign. The campaign won over 40 awards,
including Cannes Titanium Grand Prix and Cannes Effectiveness Lions as
well as the Grand Prix at the North American Effies.
At M&C Saatchi Smither was group strategy
director and the strategy lead across all of CommBank's communications.
Smither has also worked with AGL, Medibank, Defence Forces, General
Mills, Dove, Schweppes, the AFL, Cricket Australia and Cadbury in
Australia and overseas.
Says Smither: "I am thrilled to join
Michael and the team at Saatchi & Saatchi. They live and breathe a
creative commitment to their clients' businesses that is exceptional.
For a planner the chance to work on great brands with a brilliant team
was just too good to pass up."
Says Michael Rebelo, CEO, Saatchi
& Saatchi: "It's genuinely exciting to have someone of Kate's
world-class strategic pedigree join our team. She is a proven strategic
leader who is passionate about creativity that solves client's business
problems. Her international and Australian experience will be a great
source of insight for our clients and importantly the chemistry fit with
our culture is spot on."
Says Justin Graham, chief strategy
officer, M&C Saatchi: "We thank Kate for her big thinking and
ambition to drive our clients' business forward and wish her well in her
new venture."