M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment Appoints MD

Leading sponsorship strategy and activation agency M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment is pleased to announce the appointment of Jamie Gilbert–Smith as Managing Director; he will join the agency on 8 May.

 

Gilbert–Smith is a highly credentialed sponsorship and branded content specialist with more than 13 years marketing experience in London, Melbourne and Sydney.  He comes to the position from Ensemble Melbourne where, as General Manager, he was responsible for establishing the business in that market. In his time there he led the business in developing successful strategies and campaigns for Kmart, Officeworks, Essendon Football Club, True Value Solar and Origin Energy. 

 

Prior to Ensemble, Gilbert–Smith was Strategy Director at Octagon in Sydney where he played a key role in leading campaigns for MasterCard, Unilever, Lion Nathan, Telstra, Coca Cola and ANZ. 

 

At M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment Gilbert–Smith will look to take the established agency into a new era, focusing on developing big, multi-channel ideas that make their clients’ sponsorship more engaging and effective.  

 

Gilbert-Smith was appointed by M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment Global CEO Steve Martin, who stated: “We’re really excited that Jamie has decided to come and join us and I am looking forward to him working closely with myself and the Sydney team to take the business forward. 

 

“We conducted an extensive search and had a number of excellent candidates put themselves forward for the role but what really impressed me about Jamie was his blend of strategy and creativity that I believe is essential to really maximize a brand’s sponsorship. 

 

“We’ve got a brilliant team and some great clients in the Sydney office and I am confident that Jamie is the final piece of the puzzle.” 

 

M&C Saatchi CEO Jaimes Leggett added:  “Jamie’s appointment represents a key moment in M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment’s evolution. The business has consistently driven programs that have delivered meaningful results for their clients since its inception in September 2009. Jamie’s unique skillset and experience make him the ideal person to build on that and lead the business forward into an exciting new era."

 

Speaking about his appointment Gilbert–Smith said: “I’ve kept a close eye on M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment since they launched in 2009 and have been consistently impressed with the quality of their work. Obviously they have the fantastic M&C Saatchi name, reputation and resources, which is reflected in their creative approach to sponsorship. This approach aligned with a focus on delivering outstanding results is something that sets them apart in this market. The team is in place and they already have some great clients but I believe I can help them to grow even more. I can’t wait to get started and continue to build on the momentum they already have”. 

M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment is part of the M&C Saatchi Group. Its key clients include Commonwealth Bank, IAG, Pepsi Max, SKINS, GWS GIANTS and Steggles.