Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney's executive creative director Damon Stapleton is leaving the agency. It is understood he is moving overseas, with the agency now compiling a shortlist of who will fill Stapleton's boots.
Stapleton joined the agency under CEO Mike Rebelo from South Africa where he led the creative team at TBWA Hunt Lascaris. He will leave mid-June.
Rebelo said Stapleton is “a great creative leader, one of the funniest and nicest guys in the business who will be missed by all".
“Damon has been a key part of the team that has taken Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney to where it is today. There is still lots more to play for creatively, but we’re grateful for the impact Damon has made on our business and our culture,” Rebelo said.
Saatchi & Saatchi is looking for a replacement to lead its creative function and is thought to be close to making an appointment.
Rebelo added: “Damon has built a strong and genuine culture of creativity. We have great foundations in place, ambitious clients and some awesome talent. I’m excited about the potential to take our creative product to a new level with a new creative leader at the wheel.”
Stapleton joined the agency in 2011 when the ECD's chair had been vacant for a year and the firm was facing tough times. Since then, Stapleton said he was proud of what he'd achieved at a "special" agency, helping the business turn itself around with wins including St George Bank, NIB, Big W, Carnival Cruise Lines and Capi Sparkling Water.
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