Dentsu has made its first major creative appointment, hiring former McCann Erickson executive creative director Mike Thomas as creative director.
Thomas was quietly hired last year, and has been working with the agency on its main Toyota account.
The Japanese advertising network launched into the Australian market last year, with the Toyota Yaris business as its foundation client.
Thomas has worked previously as executive creative director at both McCann Erickson Sydney and Singleton Ogilvy & Mather.
Most recently, he was the principal at his own creative consultancy, called Mike Thomas Consulting.
Whilst the agency announced its launch into the market at the beginning of last year, the outfit went on the PR offensive in October, announcing its “official” launch into the market.
It was widely speculated that the agency might buy out Sydney-based agency Oddfellows upon its arrival into the local market, however Dentsu quashed those rumours, saying that its relationship with Oddfellows is a “collaborative, professional relationship”. Oddfellows handles retail work for Toyota.
The agency has not brought any clients other than Toyota onto its roster since entering the market last year.
The Australian operation is led by managing director Emma Hancock.
Follow @AdNews on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.
Have something to say? Send us your comments using the form below or contact the writer at davidblight@yaffa.com.au
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.