Exclusive: McCann New Zealand creative director Oliver Maisey adds Sydney creative director role

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John Mescall, Oliver Masey-web.jpgCB Exclusive – McCann Worldgroup Sydney has promoted its highly awarded New Zealand creative director Oliver Maisey to the post of creative director.

Maisey, who takes up the creative reins in Sydney today, will also maintain his current position as creative director of McCann New Zealand – a position he has held since October last year.

Prior to McCann New Zealand, Maisey spent 18 months at BBDO Dubai, and has held many high-profile posts in New Zealand, including executive creative director at M&C Saatchi, DraftFCB and Generator Bates.

He has worked on accounts such as Telecom NZ, Telstra, NZ Lotteries, Sony, Mercedes, PepsiCo, Emirates Airlines, Mars, Pizza Hut, Cerebos Greggs, Nokia, P&G, ING and NZ Police. His awards cabinet includes trophies from Cannes, D&AD, One Show, AWARD and Effies.

Maisey comes in over the top of McCann creative director Kieran Flanagan, who was joint CD at Smart with Dan Gregory prior to the recent merger with McCann. Gregory left the day after the merger while former McCann executive creative director Michael Raso left soon after to join Ogilvy Sydney.

His appointment is part of the continued reinvention of McCann as a more progressive and less traditional agency, says McCann executive creative director John Mescall (pictured by CB above left with Maisey): “We couldn’t be happier to have Ollie in Sydney. He’s come across to be a major part of our reinvention of McCann into a far more progressive agency, and I couldn’t think of anyone better suited to the task.

“The way he thinks and behaves makes him a natural leader. And the quality of his creative output speaks for itself. He’s exactly the calibre of talent we’re now attracting to the agency, and of course we’re always on the lookout for great people to join the new McCann. I think it’s also significant that Ollie comes from within McCann: we have a powerful global network that we’re keen to bring to bear in this market, and it’s already paying dividends.

“Speaking of clients, I think they’ll love working with Ollie, because he’ll bring great creativity, intelligence and passion to bear on their business.  Plus, his lack of hair provides a perfect contrast to my oversupply of same.”

Says Maisey: “There is a real buzz in McCann right now. Ash is a smart bloke, he’s energised, driven, and we get on bloody well. I’m incredibly excited about working with him in Sydney. Throw into the mix John and Ben in Melbourne, and Greg and the team in Auckland, and it’s going to be all good.”

McCann is also currently interviewing for a National Head of Planning and National Head of Digital, as well as more digital talent across both its Melbourne and Sydney offices. The agency is also seeking more senior creative talent for its Auckland office.