DDB Group Australia CEO Chris Brown takes DDB New York CEO role; managing director Andrew Little steps into CEO role in Australia

DDB Group Australia CEO, Chris Brown (far left) has accepted one of the leading jobs within the network as CEO and president, DDB New York while DDB Australia managing director, Andrew Little (near left) steps into the top Australian job as CEO, DDB Australia.

Says Marty O’Halloran (centre), chairman DDB Group Australia and New Zealand: “Since the launch of DDB Australia in November 2012, Chris and Andrew have spearheaded a highly successful national structure and as we wish Chris the very best in his new role, we welcome Andrew Little into the role of CEO. This has been a well planned succession and as it has been in the pipeline for some time, we expect a seamless transition.”

Little has been with the Group for 15 years becoming managing director DDB Group Melbourne in 2002. His leadership has been credited with the exponential transformation of the Melbourne office into the multi-award winning agency it is today. Little re-located to Sydney in late 2012 when he moved into his current role as managing director, DDB Australia.

Says Little: “This is a really exciting time for the Australian industry and DDB’s place within it. With Toby Talbot and Darren Spiller as our creative heads, I believe we have one of the strongest teams in Australia and I am really excited about the future direction of the business.”

Says O’Halloran: “It goes without saying that we will miss Chris Brown. He has been a trusted colleague, friend and outstanding modern business leader. Chris will be stepping into one of the leading jobs within the DDB Network and this promotion is not only a reflection of Chris’ leadership but is testament to the strength of the business in this region and how it is viewed globally.”

Brown has been with the DDB network for over 17 years becoming DDB Group Sydney managing director in 2007 and CEO, DDB Group Australia in 2012. Under his leadership the agency has won Agency of the Year, PR Agency of the Year, Experiential Agency of the Year, Ad of the Year, Campaign of the Year and Best In Show at the IAB awards. In 2012, the agency won the prestigious Spikes Agency of the Year for Asia Pacific and Brown was named as one of APAC’s most influential 40 under 40 last year by Campaign Asia.

Says Brown: “I have been extremely lucky to work with some amazing people over the past 12 years and be part of a great team. We have achieved many things, won lots of awards both locally and globally, grown the business significantly and importantly, created a culture of which I am proud.

“I love Australia but the opportunity to run the New York office and help transform it to one of the best agencies in the world is an opportunity I couldn’t refuse. I now pass the mantle to Andrew Little who I have had the honour to call my friend and colleague for the past 10 years. AL will do an amazing job so I know the business is in great hands.”