Host lures ex-M&C Saatchi Sydney’s Gareth Cooper for executive planning director role

Host has today announced that Gareth Cooper, ex executive strategy director at M&C Saatchi Sydney and ex head of planning at BMF, is set to join the agency, in the role of executive planning director.

Originally from the UK, Cooper moved to Sydney in 2005 after ten years working in New York. In addition to roles at Ammirati Puris Lintas, he was one of the founding team at BBH New York, as part of the communications planning group. Joining as part of the original team of 20, he left an agency of more than 200 people five years later, having worked on a range of global accounts.

During his six years at BMF the agency grew from 70 people to more than 200 and he lead Australia’s largest integrated planning department, helping the agency become the 5th most effective independent agency in the world. During his two years at M&C Saatchi he predominantly ran telco giant, Optus, overseeing the brand overhaul and return to the ‘Yes’ positioning.

Says Cooper: “I’ve always admired and feared Host in equal measure, so I’m thrilled to join and continue the reputation. They’ve got a solid list of ambitious clients, and I’m always up for an adventure.”

Says Olly Taylor, Host chief strategy officer: “Gareth truly represents modern planning, as comfortable with data planning and communications strategy as brand thinking. He will be a great addition to our Applied Planning approach and I am very much looking forward to his contribution. “

Cooper joins Host following recent wins including NBN Co, V8 Supercars, Fetch TV and Carnival Cruises.