Publicis Groupe ANZ has announced the departure of Saatchi & Saatchi Australia CEO, Anthony Gregorio after five years with the business. Taking over the departing Gregorio will be Patrick Rowe – currently Managing Director of Publicis bespoke agency, Team One. He will commence with the new position on the first of February.
Rowe will hold a dual role as CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi, while continuing to lead Publicis Team One.
“I’m incredibly proud of the team I have worked with, the clients we have partnered with and the amazing work that has built brands and careers,” said Gregorio.
“This made my decision to leave tougher than I expected, knowing that I will be leaving a great team of people and clients behind. The ‘Nothing is Impossible’ spirit embedded within my team has got us through a period of uncertainty and immense change over the last few years.”
Publicis Groupe ANZ CEO, Michael Rebelo added: “I deeply respect, support, and understand Ant’s decision to take some time out and consider his next chapter. Over the past five years, his leadership has helped shape the agency’s distinctive culture, our client partnerships and creative product, and we wish him the very best for what lies ahead.”
Regarding the appointment of Rowe for the position Rebelo said: “As Pat Rowe steps into the CEO role, we are confident that he is best placed to progress the agency to its next stage of growth, delivering marketing transformation solutions to our clients. In promoting from within, we have tapped a highly-credentialed leader who has been with the Publicis network for over 20 years. Leading creative agencies is in Pat’s DNA – more recently focused on effectively applying creativity in CX, data and technology.”
Rowe was previously general manager of Publicis agency, Leo Burnett Melbourne from 2003 to 2018, where he was instrumental in making it one of the top creative agencies in Australia. During this time, the agency regularly topped new business and creative award rankings. Prior to Team One, Rowe was managing director at Publicis Emil, where he launched the bespoke, data-driven, digitally-led creative agency to market.
Rowe added: “It is a huge privilege to lead Saatchi & Saatchi – one of the most famous creative brands in Australia and a company bursting with some of the most talented people I know. I’m looking forward to continuing the legacy Ant has created at the agency, by producing great work that builds brands and unlocks growth both for our clients and our people. And to make sure we have fun doing it.”
