The Monkeys, part of Accenture Song, has appointed Milla McPhee chief strategy officer and Ben de Castella head of planning, effective immediately.
McPhee expands her remit as managing director of Strategy for growth markets to now lead strategy.
She also worked in strategy at Adam&EveDDB London and Droga5 New York and was also client side as head of brand & creative strategy at Amazon in the UK.
McPhee succeeds Hugh Munro who left to start a new agency with Former BMF chief creative officer Alex Derwin.
“What a privilege it is to lead strategy for Australia’s foremost creative business, inside the world’s most sophisticated technology powerhouse. Every day, we show brands how provocative thinking can transform their business, and it’s a joy to do so alongside the best in our business at The Monkeys/Song," McPhee said.
Castella has helped develop several recognised creative campaigns during his time as business strategy director at The Monkeys, including Canadian Club’s 'Over Beer?' and Telstra’s 'Footy Country'.
His previous roles include group strategy director at VCCP London and strategic planning director at Digitas Hong Kong, where he worked on brands including Transport for London, Compare the Market and Nike.
Castella said when he joined The Monkeys, he knew it was home to some of Australia’s most iconic and effective campaigns.
"Over the past couple of years, I’ve found out what an incredible bunch it takes to make that happen – not least our tight-knit team of brilliant planners. I couldn’t be more excited about the new role and what we’re going to achieve together next.”
Accenture Song ANZ president and group CEO of The Monkeys Mark Green said the agency is pleased to see both McPhee and Castella continue to thrive and take on wider responsibilities.
"Both have an impressive record driving growth for some of the world’s leading brands and are perfect partners to help us lead our strategy department," Green said.
“As part of this change we are also farewelling Hugh Munro who has been such a force within our strategy department for so long. He leaves with our heartfelt thanks and best wishes for his next adventure.”
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