Bohemia founder and CEO Brett Dawson elevated to M&C Saatchi Group role

Brett Dawson, founder and CEO of M&C Saatchi Group’s Bohemia, has accepted a new role in the M&C Saatchi Group, initially based in the UK; returning to Australia in 2023.

In his new role, Dawson will be instrumental in building media and commerce capabilities for the global network working closely with Justin Graham, Australian CEO M&C Saatchi Group and James Hilton, founder of M&C Saatchi Performance. This leadership role will be critical in accelerating M&C Saatchi’s data, technology and creativity driven transformation, both locally and globally.

Says Graham: “By applying Brett’s commercial media expertise to the broader Group, this critical new role will turbocharge the customer centric transformation of the business, ensuring data, technology and creativity are at the core of everything we do. His passion for the Bohemia brand, people and clients remains as strong as ever, so we’re excited to see this energy extend to the broader Group.”

After an incredible decade founding, building and running Bohemia, its acquisition by M&C Saatchi, and the completion of his earn out, Dawson and his family are going to take a well deserved break, before joining the global Group in the UK in September 2022. The decision for the established founder to stay on and accept a Group role following completion is unique, and testament to his commitment to the future potential and ambition of the business.

In the past year alone, Bohemia has enjoyed significant growth despite the challenging environment of COVID-19. Dawson has overseen client wins last year including Nando’s, TikTok, Minderoo, Hire Up, Shift, Eftpos, Fiverr and Chemist 2 U, helped launch News.com.au’s “Be on it campaign”, and continued to expand the team with critical appointments such as National Partnerships Director, Jimmy Dau and Melbourne-based head of media, Garth Moring.

Upon his return to Australia in 2023, Dawson will partner with Graham and the broader executive team to further drive commercial opportunities across the business’s core capabilities, including marketing science practice Precision, while identifying and building new capabilities and models within its ecosystem. Future proofing client partnerships, and identifying potential acquisitions that will continue to deliver competitive advantage.

Says Dawson: “The founding Bohemian drive and desire to challenge is as strong as it’s ever been. The scope and canvas has increased dramatically as part of the M&C Saatchi Group and I am proud of the team, what we created, achieved, our clients and most of all the boho spirit. I look forward to returning to the revered culture of Bohemia, and bringing the benefit of an evolved global media and commerce pillar to bear as part of this incredibly connected group.”

A global search for an Australian-based managing director for Bohemia is underway with an announcement in the coming weeks.