Saatchi & Saatchi Australia

Leif Stromnes has been named one of B&T’s top 10 Best of the Best creative agency strategists.   These accolades are not only down to having one of the finest heads of hair in the industry, but for his critical role in driving Unseen Growth for our clients.   Only joining Saatchi & Saatchi this year, Leif has already made an incredible impact, collaborating on work that drives real change.   Well done Leif!   Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gsFmHEHd

On Friday night, Mandie van der Merwe was named on the 2026 B&T Women in Media Power List. This list celebrates 25 women in the industry leading the charge in making adland a better place for all.   As B&T puts it “Mandie has become one of adland's most thoughtful voices. With her at the helm, Saatchi & Saatchi looks set to continue as one of the most important and potent creative forces in the land.”   To read more from B&T, click here: https://lnkd.in/gPPQx9_k

For those of us that know Claire Thompson, we know she loves ‘80s power ballads and nonna-maxxing. We also know that she’s one of the most dedicated, passionate Group Account Directors around.   Claire’s lesson for those managing client-agency relationships? “Ask everyone you work with how you can be better. Every stakeholder needs something different from you - your clients, your creatives, your planners, and your producers - find out what that is, so you can be the best version of you, for them.”   Read more about ‘The Art of Account Management’ from LBBonline - Little Black Book here: https://lnkd.in/g3fPrHag

Oftentimes, strategy is considered something that sits behind the scenes and guides the work. But the best work Tim Mottau, Head of Strategy at Saatchi & Saatchi Australia, saw while judging the AWARD Awards creative effectiveness category had one thing in common: the strategy didn’t bow out at the point of execution, but lived inside the idea from start to finish.   The strongest entries were those where the creative, strategy and commercial objectives reinforced each other. Because a well-written paper can explain an idea, but only the work can make you believe it.   Read more from Tim in his piece with AdNews Australia here: https://lnkd.in/gR4dhyuT

Mandie van der Merwe, CCO of Saatchi & Saatchi Australia, believes brilliant work doesn’t just come from brilliant people, it comes from creating the right conditions for creativity to thrive.   Alongside Jessica Brackstone, Strategy Director at Leo Australia, Mandie joined the B&T Women in Media podcast to discuss the importance of protecting diversity of thought in creativity by fostering a culture where people have the courage to challenge.   See the full Vodcast here: https://lnkd.in/gKrzYFef

We rate Toby Aldred, and so does B&T!   Named one of the industry's top client partners, Toby has spent the last 12 years at Saatchi & Saatchi leading the team in delivering strong (and sometimes Effie-winning) work for some of the nation’s most beloved brands.   A well-deserved recognition, thank you B&T.

After taking home eight Effies and the Colin Wilson-Brown Award last year, we're back with 10 finalist spots in the 2026 Advertising Council Australia Effie Awards.   The Effies celebrate the work that works. Huge thanks to our client partners at Lexus Australia, Animal Welfare League NSW, Nestlé and The Arnott's Group for the trust and collaboration that brought these campaigns to life.

Caitlin Alcock has been named as a finalist in the AdNews Australia Emerging Leaders Awards!   Caitlin started at Saatchi & Saatchi as an intern 5 years ago, and in that time she’s built a reputation as a sharp strategist, known for her incredible drive to make great work.   From helping shape award-winning Effies stories, to mentoring the next generation through Assisterhood, she brings equal parts strategic rigour and generosity to everything she does.   We’ve always known Caitlin is amazing, but now the industry does too.

Great interview from Alex Taljaard with LBBonline - Little Black Book on his vision for RSPCA Pet Insurance.   One of the things that excited us most about We Know Animals was the ambition behind it – growing not only the RSPCA brand, but also helping to grow the category by giving more pet owners a compelling reason to consider insurance.   We're grateful for the trust Alex and the team placed in us, and especially proud to hear him talk about our partnership.    We loved working on this campaign, and can’t wait to see what’s next!

A previous B&T Women in Media Award winner, Mandie van der Merwe is now taking her place on the judging panel.   As Chief Creative Officer of Saatchi & Saatchi Australia, Mandie is a passionate advocate for creating workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.   As a judge, Mandie is in great company, joining a group of leaders recognising the women making a lasting impact on the industry and driving greater gender equality across media, marketing and communications.