Sydney - Saatchi & Saatchi Australia Chief Executive Simone Bartley today announced the appointment of Steve Back as the agency's new Executive Creative Director.

Mr Back, currently Creative Director at DDB Sydney, is one of two new appointments announced today by Saatchi & Saatchi, the No. 1 creative agency in the Asia Pacific. He will replace David Nobay.

David Bowman will also join the Saatchi & Saatchi team as Creative Group Head, relocating to Sydney from Droga5 New York.

Ms Bartley said, "Several months ago we began an international search for an ECD who would fit with Saatchi & Saatchi's ideas-centric culture, whose creative approach was fresh and innovative and who had a global perspective.

"But it was also critical that our ECD was able to understand the Australian culture, what makes us laugh, cry and engage with our brands.

"On every count there was no better candidate than Steve and we are delighted that he will be leading our creative team through a very exciting period at Saatchi & Saatchi.''

Back has won multiple industry awards and was instrumental in taking Saatchi & Saatchi Auckland to the No. 1 agency in New Zealand before being recruited to DDB Sydney.  Bowman was also part of the Saatchi & Saatchi Auckland "dream team".

"Dave has spent the past 12 months gaining invaluable international experience in brand entertainment content with Droga5 in New York and is returning to Saatchi & Saatchi to help us expand our offering through our new division, Saatchi Substance,'' said Ms Bartley. "There is no question Dave has led the way in this market having won Australia's first Titanium award at Cannes. Now he returns with even more experience to bring to our clients."

The two new appointments are part of the ongoing evolution at Saatchi & Saatchi, a key factor in retaining its leadership position. Another important phase of the agency's repositioning came earlier this year with the appointment of award-winning Brian Merrifield as Group Creative Head of Digital (ex Saatchi Auckland); and more recently, Bram Williams as the new Head of Strategy.

"It's important we lead the way in creating idea-centric campaigns that build a high return on involvement for our client's brands," said Ms Bartley. "It is now time for us to take another leap forward and these appointments will absolutely give us the edge in this market."

Worldwide Creative Director of Saatchi & Saatchi Bob Isherwood personally led the intensive global search.

"Steve and Dave were both top talent Saatchi & Saatchi boys who moved on to do other things,'' said Mr Isherwood. "We're very excited about the additional experience they're now bringing home.''

Ms Bartley said one of the agency's great strengths was its ability to identify talent and nurture it. "We see Steve as a man of the moment with the creative flair and personal qualities that fit perfectly with our culture at Saatchi & Saatchi and that of our clients.''

Back comments on his new role, "Saatchi & Saatchi is primed to explore new fields of opportunity and that's something that Simone and I are completely in tune on.

"Reuniting with David gives us a chance to get on with unfinished business. We had a great thing happening at Saatchi & Saatchi in Auckland but the best is yet to come.

"We've travelled different paths since then and that just means there'll be even more magic in the mix. But we know each other well enough to hit the ground running. This is going to a very exciting period for everyone, including our clients. The whole media landscape continues to change, and we'll be at the forefront."

Back is named by Campaign Brief as No 6. on its Hot 100 Creatives List, followed by Bowman clocking in at No. 7.
His many awards include a Silver and three Bronze Lions at Cannes; a Silver and two Bronze Pencils at The One Show; five Acceptances at D&AD; four Bronze at Clio; six Silvers and 17 Bronze Pencils at AWARD; two ADMA Gold; plus one Silver and three Bronze Bullets at Young Guns.

Bowman, an Australian, won Australia's first Titanium Lion and the DM Grand Prix at Cannes for Virgin '5 Cent' and 'Warren' respectively (The Glue Society). He has also notched six Silver Pencils and a Bronze at AWARD for the Young Guns campaign via Saatchi & Saatchi Auckland.

Back will take up his position shortly and Bowman at the beginning of 2008.

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For further information:

Terri Sissian

+61 419 881 414

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Semi D Kuresa, PR Coordinator

Saatchi & Saatchi

Ph: +612 8264-1504

Mob: +61 405 343 026

Email: kuresas@saatchi.com.au