McCann snares DDI managing director Caroline McLaughlin for Senior Business Lead role

McCann Sydney has recruited Caroline McLaughlin, former Managing Director at DDI Australia, as Senior Business Lead. Creative Chairman Ben Lilley says McLaughlin is one of a number of key senior McCann hires to be announced over the coming months.

McCann Australia is investing heavily in both new and existing talent, Lilley said. The agency has made no staffing or salary cuts during the COVID-19 global pandemic and Lilley says the agency’s recent change to independent ownership has allowed it continue to put “people before profits”.

Says Lilley: “Caroline’s global experience across blue chip brands spanning innovation, strategy and creative and digital communications makes her a key addition to our national team.

“From February, we started to make deep cost cuts across every expense line of our national business other than salaries, so we wouldn’t have to make any staff or pay cuts. As we emerge from this crisis, McCann will be fully staffed and ready to meet our clients’ immediate needs, without the delays and disruption of having to restaff and retrain.

“We’ve also undertaken extensive planning and research into what the post-crisis business climate will look like. One of Caroline’s first tasks will be to start planning with our clients now, to help prepare for their return to this ‘new normal’.”

Prior to DDI, McLaughlin worked in management roles for global networks including Clemenger BBDO in Sydney, McCann and Ogilvy & Mather in London and Johannesburg, holding board positions at BWM Dentsu, Clemenger BBDO, the International Advertising Association and non-profit, Global Sisters.

Says McLaughlin: “Throughout my career I’ve always fiercely believed in the power of creativity. I’m delighted to be joining a great team in Sydney at a time when McCann globally is the top creative force on the planet and is locally investing in a resurgence of its Sydney office.”

Lilley said McCann has more open roles in Sydney and is also on the hunt for an entrepreneurial senior strategy professional, with a strong background in consumer insights, creative strategy and digital.