Emma Robbins exits M+C Saatchi after eight years for ECD role at Droga5 ANZ in Melbourne

Droga5 ANZ, part of Accenture Song, has announced Emma Robbins will be joining its creative leadership team as Executive Creative Director in Melbourne, starting July 2026.

A respected creative leader, Robbins joins Droga5 ANZ after eight years at M+C Saatchi, where she most recently served as National Chief Creative Officer following her appointment to the role seven months ago. Prior to M+C Saatchi, she held senior creative roles at The Shannon Company and Clemenger BBDO.

Robbins brings a track record of award-winning work, with recognition at leading global shows including Cannes Lions, D&AD, The One Show and Effie Awards, as well as judging shows nationally and internationally. Named B&T’s Women In Media 2024 Creative category winner and with over 30 years’ experience working on some of Australia’s biggest brands, across sectors including healthcare, automotive, government, finance and sport, Robbins delivers ideas that resonate culturally while driving effective business impact.

A mentor to the next generation of women in advertising through The Aunties Program, and a lecturer to up-and-coming creative talent through AWARD School, Robbins is committed to championing the next generation of talent. She also serves as a board director at Australian research charity Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision.

Robbins will work closely with Michael McEwan, who leads Droga5 ANZ in Melbourne, and ANZ Co-Chief Creative Officers Damon Stapleton and Barbara Humphries, helping to drive creative excellence across Droga5 ANZ and the wider global network.

Says Barbara Humphries, Droga5 ANZ Co-Chief Creative Officer: “Melbourne is an incredibly important market for us – creatively, culturally and commercially. Emma is exactly the kind of leader we want helping shape what comes next: someone with exceptional creative standards, strong leadership instincts and a deep belief in the power of creativity to drive impact.”

Says Damon Stapleton, Droga5 ANZ Co-Chief Creative Officer: — “What makes Droga5 different is our borderless approach to creativity. We bring the best people to our clients’ problems, regardless of where they sit, connecting talent across markets in service of our clients’ businesses. Emma’s appointment strengthens that model and reinforces our commitment to building something special in Melbourne.”

Says Robbins: “At Droga5, creativity sits right at the intersection of tech, data, and experience, like the centre point where all the different forces that make great work actually converge. It’s that passion for culturally sharp, relevant and super effective work that I’m excited to help build with the team.”

Says Dani Bassil, CEO, M+C Saatchi: After eight remarkable years, Emma leaves an incredible legacy at M+C Saatchi AUNZ. We’ll miss her wit, style, and most of all her compassion. We’re hugely grateful for everything Emma has given and wish her nothing but continued success in what comes next. Jeremy Hogg, our ECD, will lead our creative team and will work with myself and the leadership team on continuing to build our creative vision for the future. We are in excellent hands.”

The appointment further strengthens Accenture Song’s end-to-end marketing offering across the ANZ region, led by Droga5 ANZ CEO Matt Michael, bringing together the agency’s creative capabilities with expertise in media, customer experience, data and technology. Backed by the wider Accenture network, this integrated approach aims to help clients build culturally relevant brands, deepen customer engagement and strengthen loyalty across channels and touchpoints.

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