Melinda Geertz steps down from Leo Burnett after over 30 years; Emma Montgomery to take the reins as national CEO
Leo Burnett has announced Melinda Geertz will be stepping down from her role as CEO of Leo Burnett Australia, with Emma Montgomery, currently CEO of the Sydney office, to succeed her.
Geertz has been in her role since 2017, and prior to that was CEO of Leo Burnett Melbourne for 15 years. She started her career with Leo Burnett in Chicago before moving to Australia.
Says Geertz: “I’ve loved this agency for more than three decades. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have found a company early on in my career that gave me so much opportunity, trust and respect. Leo Burnett has been an amazing part of my life, and I’m immensely proud of what we’ve been able to build and achieve over all these years.”
Under Geertz’s leadership, the agency has been known for its culture and creative pedigree. Accolades over the years include many Agency of the Year awards, and over a thousand global creative and effectiveness awards. In 2017, the agency was named in the world’s top 10 creative agencies list by the global index of creative excellence, the Gunn Report – a title the agency had also held in the two years prior, while being named the number one agency in Australia for two years. In 2020, Leo Burnett was ranked third as the Pacific Agency of the Decade by Cannes Lions.
Says Michael Rebelo, CEO, Publicis Groupe ANZ: “Melinda has had a long and inspirational career with Leo Burnett, and has been the driving leadership force behind the many years of the agency’s success. Melinda has been a true bastion of creativity, an inspirer of many and a great human to work for, and with. On behalf of Publicis Groupe, I would like to thank her for every ounce of blood, sweat and passion she has given Leo Burnett and the Groupe.
“In Melinda’s infinite wisdom, she leaves her beloved Leo Burnett in fantastic hands with Emma Montgomery stepping into the national CEO role. Emma has Leo Burnett in her veins, a global perspective and multifaceted experience having worked in both creative, media and in global chief strategy roles.”
In early March, Geertz announced the appointment of Montgomery as CEO of Leo Burnett Sydney. Montgomery will now take on the national CEO role in July.
Says Geertz: “I was thrilled that Emma wanted to come ‘home’. Emma’s just the right person to step up and lead Leo Burnett. It’s the perfect time to hand over the reins – there’s so much energy, growth and momentum in the business as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Recent new business wins have included HBF, Vitasoy, The Great Barrier Reef Foundation, Destination NSW, Case IH, Saputo Dairy Australia and project work for two government departments.
Says Montgomery: “Our agency philosophy is really simple – ‘what helps people, helps business’. Melinda has been the embodiment of that in her work, in how she has led the agency, and in the depth of impact she has driven, and I am forever grateful for having had the experience to work alongside her.
“Today, there are far more ways businesses can create value for the people they serve, using every part of their brand experience to create change in new and interesting ways. As I look to the future of Leo Burnett, I am excited to bring my own multidisciplinary, multi-market experience to our clients, strategic partners and the talented people I get to work with each day.”
Says Geertz: “The hardest thing for me is saying goodbye to the remarkable people I’ve worked with – agency colleagues and client partners – who have made every day at Leo’s interesting, challenging, exciting, purposeful and very fulfilling. I’m so grateful.
“Right now, I’m focused on our people and clients. Nothing’s changed. And as soon as it’s possible, I’ll head back to the U.S. to spend time with my family there. My dad turns 100 this year, so that’s where I want to be.”
Says Andrew Swinand, global CEO of Leo Burnett Group: “Melinda has played an indispensable role in Leo Burnett globally and under her leadership has cemented the agency as one of Australia’s leading creative shops. We would like to thank her for her enduring commitment to our people and our product. We look forward to seeing Leo Burnett’s strength in Australia continue under Emma’s leadership, who I have had the pleasure of working with closely in her recent role as President and Chief Strategy Officer here in Chicago.”
16 Comments
Best of luck with all that comes next and enjoy time with the fam x
Never have I had a more inspiring, decent, intelligent, caring person to work for and with. I am better for the 5.5 years I got to work with Melinda. Her contribution to our agency and the industry is legendary and she is, in every single way a class act. Melinda I will personally miss you so very much. kx
Hi Melinda, congratulations on your decision and best of luck with next.
I must say I’ll miss you except for when I wont. Every time I saw you outside an office pitching my heart sank a little as I knew your professional, decent, creatively led approach would be hard to beat.
It’s been a pleasure playing in this industry with you over the years.
Rare that someone in a senior position seems to be leaving of their own accord and without the usual cliched press statements from all involved.
Well done.
Melinda is HumanKind. It was an absolute privilege to have been inspired by her leadership daily. Her legacy is beyond the work acknowledged by her well known reputation, never compromising integrity.
Absolutely echo Kate’s comments. Melinda, your dedication, passion, care and AWESOMENESS need to be and will be celebrated here at Leo Burnett. I’m grateful for your mentorship, guidance and support over the past four and a half years – thank you. We will miss you immensely. x
Such beautiful words from a beautiful soul – thank you for all the inspiration and courage you shared with us all! I am so privileged to have worked with you and cannot think of someone more deserving of such unanimous respect – and a break!
Universally admired and liked – a rare combo in our industry – Melinda’s Dad can feel justly proud of his daughter’s stellar contribution to Australian advertising and the values, humour and good grace she has brought to all her professional and personal relationships.
Always made the time and always treated me like part of the team. A legendary leader and inspiring human being. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
A great leader and the glue of the Leo’s business, particularly in Melbourne. Good luck on the next adventure. Big, big shoes to fill.
The best kind of leader, guiding the agency with empathy, kindness, and a superhuman lack of need for sleep. We’re gonna miss you a ton.
What an inspirational woman and leader, huge loss to Leo’s but you desire everything thats coming next Melinda!
Melinda, you are a class act. You’ve given a lot to this industry, Even more to Leo Burnett and inspired so many females on what leadership should look and feel like. Congratulations on an impeccable career, enjoy the next journey.
Congrats on everything you achieved at Leo Burnett. The Australian ad industry will miss your grace, professionalism and humanity. A class act indeed!
Melinda you are simply one of the best. It’s been a privilege to have seen how you operate up close. Looking forward to sharing a drink or three when we get together.
One of the great agency leaders. Truly inspiring, smart and talented.