Leo Burnett Sydney bolsters strategy snaring DDB’s Russ Mitchinson in head of strategy role and Emma Montgomery as head of connect

Leo Burnett Sydney has lured DDB Sydney planning Russ Mitchinson for the head of strategy role and Emma Montomery as head of connect.

Mitchinson is a world-class integrated strategist with over 15 years’ of award winning international experience. Widely respected in the industry, Mitchinson is the chair of the Account Planning Group (APG) and has led sessions on Innovation with Google at Cannes, the Battle of Big Thinking and was recently a Cannes Juror for Effectiveness. During his career, Mitchinson has worked on a wide range of integrated campaigns for global brands including McDonald’s, Volkswagen, Visa, Vodafone, Unilever and Tourism Australia.

Montgomery is one of the best strategic thinkers in the media industry with over 15 years’ experience in senior leadership roles in three different markets on some of the world’s largest brands including Mars, Samsung and Suncorp Group. Most recently, Montgomery held the role of global director of the Human Experience Centre at Starcom MediaVest Group in New York. As the head of connect, Montgomery will be responsible for the merging and emerging disciplines in our business including digital, social, PR, data analytics and media.

Says Todd Sampson, CEO Leo Burnett Australia: “Our business is in constant beta-mode requiring ever-changing skills and smart people with enthusiasm. Both Russ and Emma bring with them the diverse skills and talents that our clients need or will need in the near future. They’re also really good people.”