Wavemaker Appoints Dani Saadu as Head of People and Culture

Wavemaker has appointed Dani Saadu to the newly-created position of head of people and culture. Working closely with the ExCo, and reporting to Katie Lee, chief operating officer, Dani will be responsible for building a best-in-class talent proposition for Wavemaker UK working alongside Wavemaker Global and Group M UK. As part of this, a key aspect of the role will be working closely with the leadership teams, supporting them to create an inclusive culture that promotes the right behaviours and strengthens Wavemaker’s commitment to inclusivity.

Dani brings over 15 years of experience as a people and culture, talent management, and organisational development professional. Prior to joining Wavemaker, he held several director-level people roles in multiple sectors spanning retail, recruitment, pharmaceuticals and travel. He is an expert in developing practical and sustainable programs that align with business goals and deliver measurable returns on investment. The latter will additionally support the external-facing aspects of his new position, which includes working closely with Wavemaker clients to understand their talent priorities, as well as partnering with teams in pitches to discuss talent.

The appointment is the first of several to focus on attracting and retaining talent through Wavemaker’s industry-leading agency culture. Recently, Wavemaker launched their Thrive programme which has seen a 20 strong entry-level cohort arrive in the agency this month. Over the coming months, Dani will extend the people and culture team, including a talent development partner and early talent development manager. Their remit will be to build a robust and diverse early talent pipeline, oversee talent development, support diversity and inclusion, and drive positive, inclusive cultural transformation alongside the current people experience team.

Katie Lee, chief operating officer, Wavemaker, said, "We are nothing without our people, so developing and retaining our talent has been a core focus for the leadership team. We have been working hard to build a strategy from entry level to our most senior talent. Dani’s appointment is pivotal in how we remain progressive in our approach to DEI, to learning and development and to building an agency culture where everyone can thrive and belong. I was lucky enough to meet some incredible candidates but it is Dani’s combination of talent, infectious energy and enthusiasm that leaves me in no doubt that he will push us and the agency to be the best we can be.”

Dani Saadu, head of people and culture, Wavemaker UK, added, “I was attracted to Wavemaker because of its obvious ambition and commitment to improving the employee experience. A testament to this commitment is how holistic and integrated this position is with the ability to support every aspect of the agency - whether Wavemaker team or client. In my opinion, every industry needs this approach to talent. After all, we are all ambassadors of people and culture. I'm looking forward to working with the team to evolve and enrich our working culture. We have an exciting journey ahead.”