This just in from Bullet PR, M&C Saatchi (otherwise known as McSaatchi.com) moves to a digital-led approach “to compliment the traditional approach”.  It’s kinda already been done, eg by Sugar, but good on ‘em for joining the party.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

M&C Saatchi Goes Digital and

Brings in the Big Guns

29 October 2009 Auckland - World renowned advertising agency M&C Saatchi has hired Darryn Melrose as CEO, Dave King as Executive Creative Director and Tony Burt as Planning Director to lead a consolidation of marketing channels at the agency, adding a genuine digital element to its traditional advertising, government and retail offerings.

Recognising that the media landscape is moving fast and that integrated campaigns with specialist digital expertise is what is needed for all brands, M&C Saatchi Worldwide Chairman Tom Dery knew the agency needed experienced digital leadership:

“The way the digital landscape is transforming globally means these are exciting times for advertising. New Zealand is leading the way in digital, and now M&C Saatchi has a world class digital team to add to its offering. Ten to fifteen years ago digital agencies were kept separate. Now digital is integrating with big ad agencies, like what is happening at M&C Saatchi New Zealand. This move, a first for New Zealand, shows a major agency leading with digital to compliment the traditional approach.”

Melrose, King and Burt were headhunted from AIM Proximity, one of the world’s leading digital agencies and they bring a rich history in traditional above-the-line, digital and direct expertise. Mr Melrose was CEO at AIM Proximity and is one of New Zealand’s pre-eminent direct and digital marketing specialists; he is also the Chair of the pan-industry Digital Leadership Group. King is renowned as one of the most creative advertising and marketing brains in the business. He took M&C Saatchi Sydney to number two in the world in 2006 and AIM Proximity to number one in the world in 2009. Burt meanwhile has worked in digital strategy roles in London for Sapient Interactive and AKQA. Melrose says:

“There is a huge amount of potential that already exists at M&C Saatchi New Zealand, Dave, Tony and I are all experienced above-the-line practitioners, but we also bring great digital knowledge that is vital in today’s market. Clients are looking for a fresher approach, for strategies and solutions that solve business problems. We will give New Zealand an advertising option that has the scope, scale and ambition of any world class campaign.”

ENDS

About M&C Saatchi

M&C Saatchi New Zealand has offices in Auckland and Wellington, servicing clients in the retail, government, media and digital sectors. As part of the global agency network, M&C Saatchi New Zealand adheres to the principle of Brutal Simplicity to create strong, iconic brand identities.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Paul Matthews, Bullet PR
T: 09 306 4008
M: 021 403 181
E: paulm@bulletpr.co.nz