CB Exclusive: Aussie expat Mike Rebelo to swap managing director post at Saatchi’s London for CEO role at Saatchi & Saatchi Australia

CB Exclusive – CB can reveal that Aussie expat Mike Rebelo, curently managing director at Saatchi & Saatchi, London is set to return to Australia mid November to take up the post of CEO and chairman of Saatchi & Saatchi Australia.

Current CEO John Foley will be taking on an expanded regional role based in Singapore – a position which Chris Foster, Chairman and CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi Asia Pacific, says emphasizes the agency’s focus on putting creativity at the centre of its Asia-Pacific operations for its core clients.

Foster says Rebelo has an outstanding record for driving business growth in the network by championing breakthrough creative and enduring client partnerships: “I’ve worked with Mike on and off for the better part of 15 years and he’s the perfect guy for the job. His experience, track record of success and creative leadership coupled with his understanding of the market and passion for the job, make him the right person to lead Saatchi Sydney”, says Foster.

Says Rebelo: “I’ve had my eye on this role for some time, actually since 1997, when I first started at Saatchi & Saatchi as an account manager! So it’s a right honor to be given the opportunity to lead the company in Australia. My formula is straightforward; create world-class ideas for our clients, developed and produced by world-class talent. This will be an exciting time for us as we have some fresh plans for the agency, coupled with some very passionate people.”

Originally from Melbourne, Rebelo served as General Manager of the agency’s Wellington and Sydney offices, before he was promoted to CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi Singapore leading a creative and commercial transformation of the company, resulting in significant new business growth and winning the industry’s Agency of the Year every year of his tenure.

Promoted into London in 2008 as Managing Director, he has played a key leadership role in the successful turnaround of the famous Charlotte Street office, driving its financial growth and helping reclaim creative leadership within the Saatchi & Saatchi network and the UK ad industry, particularly with its Cannes award-winning and record-breaking campaigns for T-Mobile attracting over 65 million YouTube views.

He has worked within the Saatchi & Saatchi network for 15 years, and in 2004 was named AFR BOSS magazine’s inaugural “Young Australian Executive of the Year”. Rebelo will take up the role in November. 

Current CEO John Foley will be taking on an expanded regional role based in Singapore – a position which Foster says emphasizes the agency’s focus on putting creativity at the centre of its Asia-Pacific operations for its core clients.

Says Foster: “John is a seasoned leader with an in-depth understanding of Saatchi & Saatchi clients and the advertising business in Asia Pacific. Winning the 2011 AWARD Agency of the Year last February is testament to the great work John has led in recent years.”

Meanwhile, Rebelo’s replacement, effective mid November – will be Magnus Djaba from sister shop Fallon London, where he is managing director.