McCann Health hires Ash Kuchel as MD + Hugh Fitzhardinge as ECD ~ part of major restructure

Since acquiring the McCann Health business in Australia last December, the new owners have systematically restructured the agency.

Stuart Black (left), group CEO, Australia and Singapore, has moved quickly to bring in Ash Kuchel (right), formerly global group president at Publicis Health, as managing director and Hugh Fitzhardinge (centre), formerly at Ward6, as executive creative director, and has made several senior hirings in account service, creative and production.

Says Black: ‘We’re incredibly appreciative of the support we’ve seen from our major regional clients. And we love the fact that the business growth is providing the team with the opportunity to push the creative boundaries of the sector with more confidence than they’ve had in a very long time.”

Says Kuchel: “It’s a great team and I am thrilled to be a part of it. There is an energy about the place that is palpable. The transformation in the business makes it feel like the next twelve months will be the best the agency has ever experienced.”

Says Fitzhardinge: “For me, it’s a homecoming of sorts. Ash and I both worked at McCann Health early in our careers. It’s good to be back. We love the brand, the culture, and the creative focus that’s imbedded in the DNA. I am loving the opportunity to build upon it.”

Now with new brand assignments from major clients such as Novartis, P&G, and Nestle, and a global pitch win for a new medical cannabis brand, the agency is enjoying revenue growth not seen in years.