Publicis Brisbane deputy CD Ryan Petie joins Publicis Melbourne in the role of creative director

Ryan Petie has been appointed creative director of Publicis Melbourne. He has more than 15 years’ national and international experience and in his new role he will oversee creative output from Publicis Mojo, CRM and digital communications specialist agency Cubed and other Melbourne-based digital resources. 

Petie is formerly deputy creative director of Publicis in Brisbane. He has worked in creative and digital agencies in both the UK and Australia, including Euro RSCG London, Wunderman London and Publicis Mojo, creating work for brands like Chivas Regal, Citroen, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Evian, Reckitt Benckiser and Subway. He has led creative for the launch of car models, bank accounts, hair products, fast foods and more – and he created the global brand positioning for Chivas Regal, ‘Live with Chivalry’, which is still unfolding across the world.

After representing the UK in the 2006 Cannes Young Lions competition as an Aussie, his work has featured in Lurzers Archive, Shots, Creative Review and local, national and international award shows.

Says Grant Rutherford, chief creative officer, Publicis Australia: “Ryan is the perfect lead creative-agitator with his direct, mainstream and digital experience. He has a real hunger and inquisitive mind around creativity and the effects it has on our clients’ fortunes.”

As part of a shift in creative leadership at Publicis Melbourne, Publicis Mojo creative director Michelle Walsh is leaving the agency after 12 years.

Says Rutherford: “Michelle is much loved and leaves behind an incredible legacy of work. She’s been my right hand since I started and we wish her all the best in her next adventure.”

Says Andrew Baxter, CEO, Publicis Worldwide Australia: “As Ryan moves to drive the quality of our creative work in Melbourne, he will be teamed with newly appointed general manager of Publicis Mojo Georgie Pownall, as well as our Cubed and digital leaders. They will make a truly dynamic, hands-on team. All possess great strategic, creative and business minds and together they will be a force.”