Ogilvy ECD David Ponce de León departs agency to take 12 month sabbatical from the industry
Ogilvy Melbourne has announced today that long-standing executive creative director David Ponce de León is leaving the business, and taking a 12-month sabbatical from the industry.
An award-winning creative renowned for his work on big brands such as AAMI, Ponce de León first joined Ogilvy in 2015, tasked with further developing the agency’s creative capabilities in Melbourne and driving greater collaboration with the agency’s Sydney team.
Since then, Ogilvy has embedded a national approach of borderless creativity, establishing a reputation for ambitious ideas and great depth of talent within the Melbourne creative team.
Says Gavin MacMillan, managing director, Ogilvy Melbourne: “David has made an enormous contribution to the agency. He has been instrumental in transforming our creative approach and helped us achieve the highest accolades for numerous campaigns over the years, from AAMI SmartPlates all the way through the AAMI RestTowns, and many, many more.
“He’s also been one of our cultural beacons and a strong believer in developing young talent. So, while he will be missed, we understand and support his desire to take an extended break from the industry.”
Ponce de León said it has been “a dream come true, to lead Ogilvy Melbourne’s creative team and work on such incredible brands.
“I’ve long admired Ogilvy’s work as a global network, so I jumped at the chance to become part of it seven years ago. They’ve been, without a doubt, the best years of my life and my career. I’ve made life-long friends and mentors. As a team we have achieved so much, from developing world-class campaigns through to winning awards and ensuring collaboration is part of everything we do.
“As I approach my 25th year in the industry as well as my 50th birthday, the time is right to take stock and leave this team to evolve and grow into its next era over the coming year.”
40 Comments
Gonna miss you mate.
A legend ❤️
It won’t be the same without you DPL! Hope you enjoy putting your feet up – it’s a well-earned break.
Incredible innings DPL, wishing you all the best!
sad day for the biz
Look forward to seeing your next move mate, the industry wont be the same without you.
A one-of-a-kind, creative powerhouse, who’s energy, charisma and unadulterated Columbian joie de vivre will be truly missed. You are much loved DPL, as a leader, and a person, can’t wait to hear of your next ventures during a well deserved break from the caper. Onwards!
And then a HERO comes along,
With the strength to carry on.
Best of luck big fella. A well deserved break.
A well deserved break DPL!
A pleasure to have briefly learned from, and one of the greats that show an absolute passion for ads and ideas
Hopefully, see you back in a year’s time, but otherwise, have an awesome break
You get to a point where you just can’t face another day in the advertising industry. I know I did.
David might find it cathartic to write a memoir, detailing all the disappointments, mindless rejections and awful, gutless and stupid people you have to deal with over a career in this stupid business.
We all have so many stories.
I had so many anecdotes that it wasn’t difficult to do so, but perhaps David is a bit too nice to do that.
Yes, it’s the real one. Old CD Guy, you are a legend. As usual, your observation is caustically spot on. The memoir is, indeed, a coming. We should exchange notes. Contact me privately and I promise to keep your identity secret. I am that nice.
Gardeners leave?
You mean…. Trying to be mean? Sounding silly instead. It’s ‘Garden’ leave or ‘Gardening’ leave not ‘Gardeners’ leave. But I don’t blame you. You hardly sound like a someone who would’ve been offered one. DPL.
All the best DPL x
It’s called life, mate. Ups and downs, wins and losses, swings and roundabouts. It’s generally not personal and with the right attitude, quite the ride.
Merry Christmas!
Congrats on an amazing 7 years DPL. You not only raised the bar of creativity at Ogilvy but nurtured so much talent along the way. Your energy, enthusiasm and passion will be missed. Enjoy a well deserved break as a man of the land.
DPL. You have made an incredible impact on the people and the work during your time at Ogilvy. Your trademark passion and energy will be missed. Enjoy your well-earned break from the adz.
DPL – we all love your passion for ideas and the infectious enthusiasm you bring to execution. Can’t wait to see where you direct your talent next!
The best! Huge congrats DPL. Very well-deserved break and exciting new chapter
The world indeed is a better place with David in it. In or out of this wonderful industry.
Brother, what a gift you have been to us all.
The impact that this man has made, taking in the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and honing them into award-winning and world-renowned creatives is nothing short of remarkable. Thank you, DPL. Go forth and conquer.
You’re the best DPL
Congrats on the time you’ve spent on the AAMI business, David. It takes a certain type of creative to be comfortable sinking into the heavy world of insurance and you’ve clearly given it your all. Enjoy your break and let’s hope the new Hero is up for the challenge and willing to stay in the lane for Ogilvys sake
Best to you David in your chilled pursuits. Was always cool to work with you AWARD school stuff and ADMA.
and nobody is talking about the mass redundancies across the entire industry weeks before Christmas.
I think it’s sadder that we have to talk about redundancies as “pursuing other interests” or “taking a break from the industry”
Just rip the bandaid off and call it what it is. He was let go and they’re about to announce a new ECD.
And how is that of any interest or benefit to you or anyone? Apart from tickling your fragile ego? Of course they will announce a new ECD, they’ll need one. Specially to replace this one, who was by all accounts, quite good. However people depart a company or announce their departure is between them and the company, Mr Band Aid. It’s none of your business. But if you find basic privacy and respect, sad, well, I pity you.
Oh DPL, you’ve been an absolute legend. As an ECD, a colleague, a friend. You’ll be sorely missed.
There has been a big exit of very experienced senior creative leadership from the multinationals over the past 3 years.
We’ve all read the articles.
David is one of many.
Some have gone on to start their own agencies on their terms and we are seeing the (great) results of this.
Others have left the industry altogether to build their own products and brands.
As the industry continues its race to the bottom, the bean counters and some clients still don’t seem to understand these creative people are often the glue to their businesses success. They replace these people with cheap creative spruikers and algorithms who don’t really know how to build businesses with creative ideas.
Good luck to DPL and the others who have recently left to apply their talent in much better ways.
Good luck to the agencies left behind who will have the ongoing battle of attracting and retaining real talent.
Remember. The outcome of this affects all of us.
DPL you’re a legend. A huge advocate for talent, diversity and endless kindness. Thank you for all you’ve done for me and many others. Look forward to sharing a vogue with you soon my friend x
When it comes to retaining the right people the multinationals seem genuinely clueless. It’s why the indies will continue to eat their lunch.
Not a redundancy guys, sorry
What indies?
There really aren’t that many.
And what lunch?
The ‘main course’ sized clients still seem to be on the tables of the big multinationals.
I have heard this BS for a very long time.
And even if I’d quite like it to be true,it isn’t.
Heard BC is back on the market.
@Hot tip. See Next! in the thread above.
If that tip is indeed on the money, whoever made that call has his/her head up their own derrieres.
eeeeeeeeee!