New CEO for Saatchi & Saatchi Australia
02 FEB 2009
SYDNEY - John Foley has been appointed the new CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi Australia. He will replace outgoing CEO Simone Bartley effective 15th February 2009. The appointment was announced yesterday by Ian Rowden, Chairman and CEO Asia Pacific.
John spent the first eight years of his career with Saatchi & Saatchi at the world acclaimed Wellington office, where he was intimately involved in famous campaigns for clients such as Toyota NZ, adidas International (All Blacks & 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan), and Telecom New Zealand. He moved to Asia in 2002, becoming Regional Director for Asia Pacific on Toyota/Lexus, reporting directly into Worldwide CEO Kevin Roberts.
In 2004 he was appointed CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi Malaysia, and under his leadership the office became one of the 'star' agencies in our global Network. A year ago he was promoted into a dual CEO role for both Malaysia and Singapore. Across the two agencies he was responsible for key regional clients that include Sony Ericsson, Toyota, Lexus, Tiger Beer, Procter & Gamble, UOB Bank, Mead Johnson, Kraft and MSIG Insurance.
Both agencies have celebrated great success under John's direction. Saatchi & Saatchi Malaysia was the most awarded agency in the Asia Pacific region at the Cannes Festival. Meanwhile Saatchi & Saatchi Singapore continues to be a creative powerhouse - ranked No. 7 most creative agency in the Gunn Report. And both offices won 2008 Agency of the Year in their respective markets, Malaysia for the 2nd year running and Singapore for the 3rd year in a row.
Ian Rowden commented, "Since arriving at Saatchi & Saatchi, I have been extremely impressed with John's leadership in both Malaysia and Singapore. I'm delighted that he has agreed to accept my offer to lead our Sydney office, and look forward to working with him to shape the future success of this agency. In his new role, John will report directly to me."
