Former Colenso BBDO CSO Emily Taylor joins M&C Saatchi Australia as chief strategy officer
M&C Saatchi Australia has appointed former Colenso BBDO CSO Emily Taylor as chief strategy officer.
Taylor’s appointment rounds out the agency’s leadership team, and will see her partner with group managing director Russell Hopson and chief creative officer Cam Blackley.
She joins the group with over 19 years of experience gained in consulting, digital and creative agencies. She’s worked with some of the world’s most innovative brands, including Samsung, Xbox, Expedia, Tourism NT, Sweat and most recently Spark in New Zealand. All of which gives rise to Taylor’s uniquely integrated approach to marketing and leadership; in which she combines her brand, connections, CX, data, media, social and PR strategy experience. Her illustrious career has spanned a number of countries and touched almost every industry, with her work recognised by numerous effectiveness awards over the years.
Says Russell Hopson, group managing director, M&C Saatchi Australia: “Emily is the perfect mix of contrasts, she is cerebral, fierce in her convictions, full of empathy, a brilliant generalist and master of many specialisations.”
Says Blackley: “Russell and I have been searching for the perfect Strategic partner with a passion for creativity for quite a while. We weren’t willing to settle for just anyone and I’m personally over the moon Emily is here to complete the puzzle and continue to improve and connect all our creative capabilities.”
Prior to her appointment, the Gruen Transfer panellist held leadership roles at AKQA, VCCP, Moon, BMF, Leo Burnett and most recently as CSO at Colenso BBDO.
Says Taylor of her appointment: “M&C Saatchi has always been a formidable force with enviable clients. I’ve long admired the ambition and entrepreneurial spirit evident in its growth and diversification. I couldn’t be more delighted to join at such a pivotal moment for the business, as part of a new leadership team and as the group mobilises the breadth of talent to deliver truly integrated, world class creative.”

13 Comments
Em is truly a world class talent and inspiring leader. Congrats.
congrats em, you’re top tier.
Bravo. Emily is great (as are those other two boofy blokes in the pic.)
Love Ems.
Didn’t even know she left Leo’s. Massive, massive loss for them.
I reckon you’re better TD x
ET … look up to her literally and figuratively. Brilliant hire. You and Cam… what a magic combo!!!
Emily#1 is brilliance in every way.
Impressive hire, very impressive.
Awesome hire! Congrats!
Huge fan of ET.
Taylor you’re a total rockstar and delighted you’ve found you’re right Sydney home x
Congrats Em!
After 5 years living in the shadow of a certain someone who left recently it’s a beautiful thing to see Cam & Taylor take their rightful place leading M&C. Starting to even show in the work. Great things ahead for this team now.