DDB Sydney has announced the promotion of its head of planning, Fran Clayton, to chief strategy officer (CSO), DDB Sydney.
Clayton joined DDB in 2013 as planning partner from Publicis Mojo New Zealand and was promoted to head of planning in
2014. Clayton has run a very modern planning department as well as
personally spearheading the strategy for the multi-award winning
McDonald's.
Says Nicole Taylor, managing director, DDB Sydney:
"Fran is one of the best planners and strategic thinkers I have worked
with. She was the lead strategist on the successful Volkswagen
Commercial vehicles pitch and subsequent 'Naked Ute' campaign for
Amarok, which challenges people to look beneath the surface and defies
the conventions of ute advertising in Australia.
"I have enjoyed a successful partnership with Fran over the past three
years and she has proven herself an outstanding strategic and business
leader."
Says Andrew Little, CEO, DDB Group Australia: "Fran is a
very worthy strategic lead and working alongside the tireless DDB
Sydney managing director, Nic Taylor, this is a truly formidable
partnership."
Says Clayton on her new role: "My time at DDB
Sydney has been amazing for many reasons but most importantly, the
culture and the people make it an outstanding place to work and create.
It is my personal ambition to ensure the next generation of strategic
and creative thinkers have more female mentors. I want to see more
creative work that celebrates diversity and modern Australian
perspectives."
DDB Group Australia will soon be announcing a new
business venture that will be headed by DDB's managing director strategy
and innovation, Leif Stromnes. Clayton replaces Stromnes as strategic
lead for Sydney while Stromnes moves into a national role. Official news
to come in the following weeks.