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Saatchi & Saatchi appoints new executive creative director


It's been a long time between creative drinks for Saatchi & Saatchi but the agency has finally appointed a new executive creative director.

Hazel Phillips
Wed, 13 Apr 2011

It’s been a long time between creative drinks for Saatchi & Saatchi but the agency has finally appointed a new executive creative director.

It has hired Antonio Navas from Ogilvy & Mather New York.

He’s been there for four years working on clients such as Coca-Cola, Stolichnaya, Kodak, Motorola, Dove and Puerto Rico Tourism.  

Before that he worked at Goodby Silverstein and Partners, Amster Yard, FCB in San Francisco and BBDO New York.

String Theory owner and former Ogilvy ECD Jeremy Taine had been filling in part-time in the role for the first quarter of 2011.

Saatchi has been operating without a fulltime permanent ECD from December, when former ECD Dylan Harrison left after eight months in the job in favour of DDB Sydney.

Saatchi chief executive Nicky Bell, who used to work with Mr Navas in New York, said the appointment is the result of a long search.

“Antonio understands how creative thinking can change businesses and brands and has proven this across different cultures.  And he is a genuine catalyst in a creative environment.

“Having experienced this first hand while working together in New York, I really admire the way he does this. And, quite frankly, he’s one of the good guys. I’m really excited he’s bringing that talent to Saatchi & Saatchi and the New Zealand creative community.”

Mr Navas: “I have always admired the work that has come out of New Zealand. It’s often a little ‘out there’ and feels like it could only come from people that live life with intense optimism and a fresh perspective. 

“I’ve particularly admired Saatchi & Saatchi’s New Zealand creative reputation from afar, so I’m excited to be part of its next incarnation. I’m also happy to be reunited with Nicky as I think we created some incredible work together in New York.

“The agency team I’ve met feels strong, healthy and dynamic.  We’re going to have a lot of fun together.”

Hazel Phillips
Wed, 13 Apr 2011
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Saatchi & Saatchi appoints new executive creative director
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