M&C Saatchi ECD Michael Canning Departs Agency to Focus on Personal Creative Venture
M&C Saatchi has today announced the departure of its executive creative director, Michael Canning.
A native to Sydney,
Canning spent six years working in the USA, first as ECD and managing partner at
Leo Burnett North America followed by 72andSunny Los Angeles in 2014 as ECD, before returning
to Australia in November 2015 to join M&C Saatchi Sydney.
Under his leadership the agency has produced some of its most notable
work. Highlights include AIME 'Cogs', the CommBank 'CAN re-launch' and
educational platform 'Teleporter Adventures', a new fire prevention
technology for Australian communities in NRMA 'Fireblanket' and the
launch of a global platform for Lexus with the immersive experience
'Hidden Artistry'. In 2017, M&C Saatchi was named Australia's most
innovative company in the AFR awards.Says Canning: "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.
"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."
Says Jaimes Leggett, CEO, M&C Saatchi: "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."
M&C Saatchi will welcome its new CCO, Cam Blackley in early February.
