After nearly six years Cam Blackley set to depart Chief Creative Officer role at M&C Saatchi
Chief creative officer at M&C Saatchi AUNZ, Cam Blackley is departing the business after almost six years at the agency.
Blackley, who joined from BMF in 2017, has overseen some tremendous achievements at the creative helm, and has fostered the development of truly brilliant talent within the business during his tenure. He has a CV filled with industry-recognised work in a career that has spanned Australia, London and New York.
Blackley has been the driving force behind building brand strength with our most significant client partners. His creative leadership has delivered award-winning campaigns for Tourism Australia, Minderoo Foundation, Big W and Steggles to name but a few. He has doubled-down throughout some challenging periods, including the Covid-19 pandemic, steering the creative for our iconic Australian brands.
Says Justin Graham, M&C Saatchi Group CEO APAC: “On behalf of the whole M&C Saatchi crew, I want to thank Cam for his commitment to clients and our people during his time as Chief Creative Officer. He has been a valued member of the executive team and is admired for his commitment to the industry as evidenced by his impactful contribution as AWARD’s Chair, and his inclusion in the Cannes Lions jury this year. His work, and his unique humour, will have a lasting impact on the agency.”
Says Blackley: “The last six years at M&C Saatchi have been incredibly fulfilling. I am proud of the work, the client partnerships, and most of all the people. I have built and managed a formidable team across four offices capable of winning global pitches, as well as creating category shifting and peer-recognised campaigns.
“For several months now I have had robust and respectful discussions with Justin on the shape of things to come. M&C Saatchi globally is going through a period of transition and that has accelerated the decision to part company. The ad industry feels beautifully disrupted at the moment, I’ve never been one to lean into the status quo and I’m keen to build something new after a break. I will be leaving the agency in great shape and will cheer on its success from the sidelines.”
As M&C Saatchi continues its journey to be an even more connected group, it continues to embrace the opportunities that change brings. Clients want brilliant original thinkers, organised in uncommon ways. In particular, original thinking applied through the broader lens of brand experience and innovative business solutions.
A new creative leadership structure will be announced in the coming weeks.
24 Comments
Cam has always been a kind, positive force in advertising. I enjoyed working for him at BMF and think he’s done a great job with AWARD. He’s always got a moment to chat to you, despite being one of the biggest CCOs in the country. All the best, Cam.
Cam is a straight shooter and a bloody talent. Another one through the revolving door of M&C Saatchi.
Hopefully M&C get their business is order. But excited to see what Cam does next.
He’s been there 6years?
I’m unsure of what the average tenure of a CCO would be but I’d be pegging it at less time then Cam has had at M&C
Also keen to see what’s next for this Legend. Agree with @Big Fan that he’s been a super positive force in our industry, so am keen to see where he uses the force next. Good luck with it all Cam!
That is a shame…. Are we witnessing the changing of the guard across the board, is the next gen coming through?
So much to unpack in this press release. Best of luck Cam.
DDB next.
Shame to see such a talented individual wasting his talents on advertising. All the best mate.
Long May You Play my good friend.
Six years is quite an impressive and respectable stay in this day and age.
The best x
Without a doubt, Cam is one of the great creative leaders in this business.
Indelible contribution through his tenure at M&C (and BMF), as well as his massive rebuild of AWARD.
When an agency loses its CFO and CCO in quick succession, maybe look at the CEO.
Can’t wait for his next move,
Fantastic tenure from one of the best.
Tough gig, too. And helmed with aplomb.
In a job like that you need to retain business, win business, do some excellent work, bond with clients, bring your staff with you.
You are a Class Act Cam!
Congrats. tenure is rare.
Maybe the previous ECD’s could learn a thing or two.
It was a pleasure crossing paths with Cam at M&C! Excited to see what happens next.
I’m here you know
The most legendary legend.
The big chair is free at Clems… that would be poetic
That would be *poetics
Glad to see it! Can’t wait to see what ya get stuck into next.
I want to hear more of this unique humour that will have a lasting impact on the agency.
Cam is a unicorn. And we all wish we could be one.