M+C Saatchi today announced a shakeup of senior roles in Australia.
Justin Graham is departing as group CEO APAC.
And Dani Bassil will be CEO, M+C Saatchi Group AUNZ, from August.
‘I’ve admired the M+C Saatchi brand for as long as I can remember," said Bassil .
"To be able to bring all of my experience in brand, consulting, media and digital together to lead this group of incredible businesses is so exciting for me.
"How we drive value and growth for clients through strategic thinking and cut through with powerful creative and brand ideas is what I get out of bed for, and there’s no better agency brand than M+C Saatchi to partner with clients to achieve this. I can’t wait to get started.’
The leadership team of Steve Coll, Tanya Vragalis, Jenn Butler, Benjamin Harrison and Jen Hegarty will report to Bassil.
Justin Graham will step down from his role as CEO of M+C Saatchi Group APAC later this year.
As part of a broader realignment, the Asia business will transition to being led from the Singapore HQ. Graham will remain in his Sydney-based role until then to help guide the handover and support Bassil as she steps into the CEO AUNZ role.
Joining the agency from Droga5 in 2013, Graham’s 12 years at M+C Saatchi have included six years as group CSO Australia, before being promoted to the role of CEO ANZ in 2020.
He was promoted to the global advertising lead role in 2022, before assuming his most recent role as APAC regional CEO.
‘It has been a privilege to lead the exceptional M+C Saatchi teams locally and around the network over my time; as a self-professed life learner, it's been a ride," he said.
Zaid Al-Qassab, Global CEO, M&C Saatchi Group, said Graham has played a critical role at M+C Saatchi, first as a chief strategist, then successful CEO, and most recently leading the APAC region.
‘When I joined the business in May last year, I spent my very first day in our Sydney office to see first-hand the work of the most awarded region in our network," he said.
"Justin has been a brilliant partner, and whilst I will miss working with him, I am grateful for the legacy he leaves behind."
Al-Qassab was excited to see what magic Bassil can create.
"Her broad leadership experience and client centric approach will power the agency forward, and her vast digital expertise is what’s most needed in the next phase of our journey to give brands Cultural Power," he said.
Graham will continue in his director roles for both the Advertising Council (ACA) and social impact organisation, Unltd.
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