M&C Saatchi S&E global CEO Steve Martin to relocate to Australia to drive growth across Asia
As part of a strategy to explore growth opportunities across Asia, M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment has today announced that global CEO Steve Martin will relocate to Sydney.
Martin (left) will continue to drive growth across the agency’s six global offices in New York, Los Angeles, Berlin, London, Johannesburg and Sydney and will also focus on new office openings, specifically in South East Asia.
The Australian office of M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment will continue to be led by country managing director Jamie Gilbert-Smith (right) with additional support from Martin.
Says Martin: “We have always been committed to having as few offices as necessary, rather than as many as possible. However, with increasing demand from our clients and major sporting and cultural events in the coming decade, it’s important we find the right opportunity in Asia to help balance our footprint. We have an incredibly strong UK leadership team and so it feels the right time to continue to expand our offering as we support the brilliant team in Sydney.”
Says Gilbert-Smith: “It’s an exciting time for Steve to be joining us. As media continues to diverge, brands are realising that sport and entertainment represent increasing value and opportunity to reach, engage and connect with fans through their passions. This is a trend that’s evident right across the Asia Pacific region. An additional benefit to Steve’s arrival is that we, as the official communications partner for Australian Olympic Committee, will see greater opportunities for growth in the lead up to the Tokyo 2020 games.”
M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment clients also include Audi, Commonwealth Bank, Optimum Nutrition, Optus, Reebok, Sonos and Tabcorp.
In Martin’s absence, the London office will continue to be overseen by the UK leadership team of Jamie Wynne-Morgan, UK CEO, and joint managing directors Jodie Fullagar and Rich Barker. Martin’s move will be effective from September.