Former Facebook executive Ben Lightfoot joins Ogilvy, Brisbane in the role of managing director

Former Facebook executive and highly experienced communications specialist, Ben Lightfoot (centre) has been appointed managing director, Ogilvy Brisbane, as the agency moves into its next phase of business growth.

With more than 20 years’ experience within marketing and communications, Lightfoot has worked with large multi-nationals, boutique independents and small start-ups around the world, and most recently within the APAC team at Facebook as head of large advertiser marketing.

Ogilvy Australia CEO David Fox said appointing Lightfoot, with his broad experience across technology, creative and management, was part of a push to future-proof the agency and continue its focus on innovation and digital integration.

Says Fox: “Ben’s background with Facebook is ideally placed to take Ogilvy Brisbane into its next phase of growth, and matches the focus other Ogilvy offices have had in relation to digital, strategy, media and creative.

“He’s also one of few within our industry to hold senior roles in both creative and management across brand, retail, direct and digital.  Having someone of his calibre and broad experience makes him the ideal candidate to take our Queensland presence to the next level.”

Lightfoot replaces Russ Vine, who has led the Ogilvy Brisbane business for the past 18 months, following the merger of local shop JuniorCru with Ogilvy Australia.

Fox said following the 18 months of integrating the Brisbane office into the broader Ogilvy family, Vine was keen to move on and find his next challenge and would be handing the reins over to Lightfoot to foster further growth, effective immediately.

Says Fox: “Russ has been a committed leader and we wish him all the very best for the future.  He leaves Ogilvy Brisbane in good shape and  firmly integrated into the  broader Ogilvy Australia structure and we thank him for his commitment.

“To be successful in business  you must move with change; now  is the right time for expansion to ensure Ogilvy meets the  changing requirements of the Brisbane market and under  Ben’s new leadership we  are excited about what the future holds for the team.”

Internationally awarded for both strategy and creativity, Lightfoot brings broad international experience to the role.  For the past seven years he has been based in Asia where he was CEO of McCann Worldgroup Singapore, and Group CEO of Publicis Advertising and Saatchi & Saatchi Indonesia, before joining Facebook.

He has also been championing the message of effectiveness as chairman and head of jury for Singapore, APAC & Global Effies since 2010.

Says Lightfoot of the new role: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining Ogilvy Brisbane as well as the wider Ogilvy Australia team. Right from the beginning of our discussions I have been really impressed with the way that Foxy and the Australian leadership team are challenging business  structure, culture, best practice as well as embedding technology into the way they partner with their clients to address the needs of the business.

“With the strong relationships already in place with Queensland Government as well as the new partnerships that are forming through recent wins, I’m looking forward to bringing the experience of my last few years to build on what is already a very strong team.”

Lightfoot starts at the Brisbane office immediately, reporting to David Fox.

(Pictured L-R: Ewan Pettit, Phil Nobay, Ben Lightfoot, Jane Young, David Fox)