Kieren Cooney appointed MD DDB Group Sydney; Nicole Taylor promoted to DDB Sydney MD role

Today DDB Group Australia has announced Kieren Cooney (left) as managing director, DDB Group Sydney. Cooney will oversee DDB Group’s Sydney based businesses including DDB, Mango, Remedy and Tribal.

As part of these changes, Nicole Taylor has been appointed as managing director, DDB Sydney, reporting directly to Cooney.

Says Andrew Little, CEO of DDB Group Australia: “Today’s announcement is an important step in the ongoing evolution of our Australian business. We’re making the changes now to become the agency we believe is right for the future. That is an agency where we are applying our strategic and creative firepower to business beyond communications and this will mean growing from our strengths. We are lucky to have some of Australia’s finest creative minds working on many of Australia’s most loved brands; but it will also mean developing new strengths as we ensure we remain in step with the changing needs of Australian businesses and the changing ways we live and communicate in Australia.

“Kieren has an exceptional reputation and quickly became an obvious choice when considering candidates for this role. Not only is he is an experienced and successful CEO, but with over 20 years experience working at the forefront of some of the region’s most dynamic organisations he brings with him extensive knowledge of multiple industries including telecommunications, media, retail, banking and IT. I have no doubt that he will be a force of positive change for both our clients’ businesses as well as our own”.

Cooney has held senior executive positions at Telecom New Zealand, Leading Edge and most recently as CMO of NBN Co.

Says Marty O’ Halloran, chairman, DDB Group Australia and New Zealand: “I am delighted to welcome Kieren into DDB. I have watched Kieren’s impact across the region for many years as a transformative leader at the intersection of marketing and technology. I am confident his skill set will be a great complement to Andrew and Nicole’s and will prove an invaluable asset to DDB and our clients.”

Says Cooney: “I am really excited to be joining DDB. I have been a long time admirer of DDB, not only on the quality of their creative work and the impact they have on their clients’ businesses, but also on the way they have lead the industry in their hunger to embrace and lead change. And this fearless hunger for change will be crucial as we work closely with our clients on new ways to start conversations and build relationships with their customers.

“DDB Australia has a remarkable presence in the region and Andrew Little and Chris Brown have rightfully gained the attention of the global stage with what they have achieved. It has been an impressive journey to follow and one I am excited to now be a part of.”

Says Little: “Nic has over 15 years experience in the communications industry and is one of the most highly regarded professionals in the industry, testament to this being the incredibly strong relationships that she has with her team, colleagues and clients. Nic is also an active supporter of a more diverse Australian advertising community having represented the Australian Communications Council in this space. I am delighted for Nic and this is an incredibly popular decision at the agency.”

Taylor (left) has been with DDB Sydney for nearly four years and is currently managing partner running two of DDB Sydney’s largest heritage accounts – Volkswagen and McDonald’s. She has a strong track record at running big, complex pieces of businesses and is highly regarded for creating positive cultures where creativity and great work can thrive.

Says Taylor: “DDB Sydney is a brilliant, strong and consistently high performing agency – and I am really excited and privileged to have the opportunity to step into the role of managing director where I can inspire and influence both consolidation and growth. During my time at DDB Sydney I have been fortunate enough to lead two amazing and highly awarded clients. Together we have undertaken brave and innovative work.

“I started my career nearly 20 years ago straight from university as a junior at VCD and then GPB, working in the Sydney communications industry ever since including two years client side which provided me with balanced insights into strategy, creative and account service. I am looking forward to working with Andrew and Kieren and watching DDB Sydney even further strengthen its leading position.”

Both Cooney and Taylor commence their new roles effective today.