CB Exclusive: Mike Napolitano departs TBWA for Managing Director role at DDB Group Melbourne
As previously reported by CB, DDB Group Melbourne has confirmed the appointment of Mike Napolitano as managing director, joining after nine years at TBWA Melbourne, the last five as managing director overseeing the agency’s growth and success during this time.
With more than 20 years in the industry, Napolitano has worked across most categories, including FMCG, automotive, financial services, government, and sport/entertainment for some of the biggest brands locally and abroad.
His work has been recognised by global award juries for both creativity and effectiveness.
Says Andrew Little, CEO, DDB Group Australia: “We are thrilled to have Mike lead the DDB Melbourne Group. Like everyone at DDB, he has that perfect balance of being talented and nice. With a shared ambition of enabling people to do the best work of their career and track record of helping brands achieve incredible growth, there could be no one better at the helm.
“We can’t wait for him to continue the strong growth our Melbourne business has experienced this year, despite the COVID-19 challenges. I know that Jess Hughes, Mossy and Jess Allison are delighted to have him on board, as is the rest of the Australian management team.”
Adds Napolitano: “I’ve had nine great years at TBWA helping build one of the best agencies in the country. It’s always hard to leave a great team, but it’s time for a new challenge. I’ve admired DDB Melbourne and its growth over the last 12 months. I am thrilled with the opportunity to lead the Melbourne office and create award-winning, effective work for clients like Coles, Kmart, Dulux Group and Porsche. I want DDB Melbourne to attract an unfair share of the best talent and even more great brand partners for us to work with.”
Says Kimberlee Wells, CEO, TBWA\Melbourne: “Mike has had nine great years with the agency. We thank him for the contributions he has made to the growth of our people, our clients and our agency. He leaves with our full support to pursue a new challenge as DDB Melbourne’s Managing Director and are pleased he will remain within the Omnicom Group.”
Napolitano’s hire comes off the back of a period of growth for DDB Melbourne, winning both Coles and Kmart in 2020.
23 Comments
You’ll be brilliant, Nappa 👏
What is he thinking?
One of the nice guys. Onya Nappa
Congrats Nappa!!
Great news, Nappa. Exciting times ahead.
Congratulations Nappa. You’ll be great.
Congrats Nappa! Exciting news for DDB Melbourne.
Congrats Nappa. Everyone that works with you is better for the experience. You truly unity people and that’s a rarity in this business. The TBWA team will be sad to see you leave. Good get DDB.
Well played Mike. Now go and do what you did at TBWA and make DDB Melb great again.
Look at who is commenting
Napa!!! Congratulations mate. Enjoy yourself. Should be a lot of fun.
Congrats Napa! DDB will be a great place to work having you there, although will be interesting to watch how you and the biggest ego in the business will get along…
One of the greats.
Congratulations on your new challenge Nappa.
The South Melbourne village community will miss you!
We won’t be the same without you – any jobs going?
Boom Schnitzel!
Big congrats Nappacino!! Absolute legend. DDB is inheriting one of the best in the industry.
Congrats Napa!
Congratulations Mike.
Good show Napa, best of British in the gig.
Boomtown! Huge congrats Nappa.
Well done Howie.’ x
Brilliant appointment. One of the greats in this industry. Go well, Nappa!