Ogilvy Melbourne bolsters agency talent with a raft of new senior appointments

(Pictured L-R Zac Martin, Danielle Etzin, Patrick Trethowan, Lee Phillips)

Following an extended period of growth, Ogilvy has announced a series of new senior appointments to strengthen its Melbourne offering. Among the hires are Danielle Etzin, who joins as group account director, senior planner Zac Martin and senior creative team Lee Phillips and Patrick Trethowan.

Says Gavin MacMillan, managing director, Ogilvy Melbourne: “Last year was a big year of growth for us, so it’s important we not only have the right team for the work right now, but the strongest team for what’s coming next. We are extremely happy to be able to announce these new appointments. They are all great people, with fantastic skills, who are all on top of their game.”

Etzin brings almost 18 years’ experience in Australia, the UK and Switzerland, holding senior roles for agencies like Saatchi & Saatchi, BWM, CHE and Cummins&Partners working with brands including AGL, Jeep, Phillips, P&G, Novartis, Simplot and Toyota. She also has extensive banking and finance experience having worked with Barclay’s, UBP and TreeTop Private Banking.

Says Etzin: “Ogilvy is an iconic brand building agency. However, I’ve been inspired in recent years by its digital capabilities and ability to help brands deliver on the entire customer experience. I am excited to be on board working with an excellent team and helping my clients to grow their brands and businesses.”

Martin joins Ogilvy following a decade of experience helping brands uncover what they fight for. He started his career at George Patterson Y&R and then Cummins&Partners, bridging technology with brand and communications strategy. He then spent two years freelancing before finally being lured to Ogilvy. He has developed strategy for Asahi, CGU, Honda, ME Bank, Schweppes, Specsavers, Deakin University, NAB, and more.

Ogilvy Melbourne’s head of strategy and planning Virginia Pracht said of Martin’s hire: “I had the opportunity to work with Zac before and I’ve always admired his clear thinking, enthusiasm for great creative and his entrepreneurial spirit. We are so pleased to have him on board.”

Lee Phillips and Pat Trethowan have joined forces as a senior creative team after individual stints at Leo Burnett, M&C Saatchi, McCann and JWT, creating award winning work for category leaders such as BIC, Bonds, L’Oreal, Metro, Slurpee, SPC and TAC, among others.

Says David Ponce de Leon, executive creative director, Ogilvy Melbourne: “I’ve been following everyone’s progress through the years and I’m thrilled they’ve all chosen Ogilvy to take the next step up in their careers. They’ve wasted no time rolling up their sleeves with some big work for big brands, so watch this space.”

Ogilvy Melbourne has also made additional new hires across account service, strategy and creative.

Says MacMillan: “We are tremendously excited about what this outstanding group of individuals can help us achieve for our clients and their brands. It’s a great way to start the year.”

Ogilvy was recently named one of the Best Places to Work in APAC.