Ogilvy New Zealand ECD Damon O’Leary set for consultancy role project by project from January

Damon O’Leary, ECD of Ogilvy New Zealand will be taking on a consultancy role at the agency on a project by project basis as from January 2012, citing family reasons for the move.

O’Leary, who has been sole ECD since the retirement of his long-term creative partner Basil Christensen to the south of France in September last year, will also consult to other clients.

Thecreators of one of New Zealand’s best-loved beer commercials –  Tui ‘Brucetta’ -their work has been awarded at Clio, AWARD, The One Show, Cannes, LondonInternational, they’re ‘in book’ at D&AD and have numerous bronze,silver and gold AXIS awards – plus they have twice won the Grande ORCA.

Afterbeing lured to Ogilvy from a 12 year stint at Saatchi’s by Roy Mearesand Jeremy Taine three years ago – the duo took up the reigns as newcreative heads after Taine’s departure in 2009.

“Damon has done a great job leading our creative department of 26 outstanding art directors, copy writers and digital specialists,”  says Ogilvy MD Greg Partington.

“He has been passionate about the agency and has produced strong work. I respect and support Damon’s decision to make a change and look forward to continuing the relationship. Ogilvy’s creative department has expanded over the last few years to include greater depth in digital. In addition, the creative team is backed up by one of the largest inhouse design, animation and production capabilities of any agency in New Zealand with an additional 38 specialists in our Auckland and Wellington offices. We will announce the new creative department leadership structure in the New Year.”