Saatchi & Saatchi head resigns
The agency has recently lost a number of long-term, high-profile clients.
The agency has recently lost a number of long-term, high-profile clients.
Chief executive Nicky Bell has resigned from Saatchi & Saatchi shortly after the ad agency lost a number of long-term clients.
The ex-Ogilvy partner will be succeeded by current general manager Paul Wilson, who will adopt the title of managing director.
Ms Bell led the agency for six years after initially being recruited to reposition its brand in the local market, a task the agency faces once more.
“It’s been an amazing six years but it’s time to move on,” she says.
“It’s been a privilege to work with the hugely talented, good hearted people at Saatchi & Saatchi. I’m so proud of the transformation we were able to drive within the business and our culture.”
Mr Wilson says he is “stoked” to be given the opportunity to lead the agency.
“We’ve got an awesome team, great clients and some exciting projects on the go already this year. I’ve learnt a huge amount off Nicky in my time here. She is a great leader and an awesome human being,” he says.
Saatchi & Saatchi recently lost the Spark and Tui accounts but continues to work with a number of high-profile companies including ASB, Toyota and the NZ Defence Force.
NBR understands staff numbers have also dwindled over the past few years.
Ms Bell, who will leave the agency in March, is yet to publicly announce her next move but says she will share the news soon.