Leadership change at Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand as Paul Wilson set to replace Nicky Bell

After six years leading the agency, Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand CEO Nicky Bell has decided to leave in March and current GM, Paul Wilson will take over the leadership, promoted to managing director.

Bell was recruited in 2010, charged with leading the turnaround of the Saatchi & Saatchi brand in New Zealand and went on to successfully transform the culture and capabilities of the agency with a focus on creative thinking across all departments and the integration of digital.

Says Bell: “It’s been a privilege to work with the hugely talented, good hearted people here at Saatchi & Saatchi. I’m so proud of the transformation we were able to drive within the business and our culture. Our team, along with some incredible client partners, made this role a real joy.

“And it’s great to be leaving the agency in such talented hands. Paul is a natural leader. Our clients and people trust and respect him. He has an amazing eye for the work, the kind of drive and optimism that’s infectious, and the guts to deal with the tough stuff in our business. Gus and Corey are brilliant buggers, and they make me laugh every day. They’ve have had a stellar first year as joint ECDs. The three of them, along with the incredible leadership team, are going to do amazing things.”

Says Wilson: “I’m genuinely stoked to be given this opportunity. We’ve got an awesome team, great clients and some exciting projects on the go already this year. 2016 is shaping up nicely. I’ve learnt a huge amount off Nicky in my time here. She is a great leader and an awesome human being. We will really miss her.”

Wilson joined Saatchi & Saatchi in 2013 from Colenso, where he was joint Head of Account Management and running the agency’s largest piece of business BNZ Bank. Prior to that,Wilson spent five years at DDB New Zealand.

Bell has not yet announced her next move, but said: “It’s been an amazing 6 years, but it’s time to move on. I’m extremely excited about my next challenge and look forward to sharing that news soon.”