M&C Saatchi's executive creative director (ECD) Michael Canning has left the agency in order to focus on a “personal venture”.
His exit, after two years at the firm, follows the news that BMF ECD Cam Blackley would be joining the agency this year as chief creative officer in replacement of Andy DiLallo.
Prior to joining M&C in 2016, Canning was working in the US on the leadership teams of Leo Burnett North America and 72andSunny Los Angeles.
During his time at M&C, Canning created the ‘Cogs’ campaign for AIME, the CommBank ‘CAN re-launch’ and educational platform ‘Teleporter Adventures’, a new fire prevention technology for Australian communities in NRMA's ‘Fireblanket’, and the launch of a global platform for Lexus with the immersive experience ‘Hidden Artistry’.
When it was announced that Blackley would be joining M&C, at the time the agency said in a statement that Canning would continue his role as ECD in Sydney.
“As a creative person I’m a big believer in entrepreneurial thinking, which is something that attracted me to M&C Saatchi from the US. With the start of the new year I’ve decided that the time is right for me to spend some quality time on a personal venture that I’m passionate about,” Canning says.
“I’m very proud of the work we’ve created at M&C Saatchi over the past two years. With Cam joining this year, I know the creative department are in great hands and I can’t wait to see what they do this year.”
CEO Jaimes Leggett adds: "We're sad to see Michael go. We have always admired him for his creative mind and entrepreneurial spirit. We’re excited to see his next venture. I’d like to thank him for everything he has done at the agency.”
Other recent hires for the agency include Adam&EveDDB's Russell Hopson and UM's Sophie Price, who joined as group head of strategy.
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