M&C Saatchi, Sydney lures Michael Cleary from Host to fill creative services director role after departure of Fiona Rooney to Clemenger BBDO

M&C Saatchi, Sydney has lured Host production director Michael Cleary to the role of creative services director, effective May 2, replacing Fiona Rooney who has departed the agency to join Clemenger BBDO, Sydney in a similar role.

Cleary boasts more than 13 years as a top-flight creative services specialist in Australia and Canada.

Prior to joining Host in November 2007, he worked at TASK2, JWT,Wasserman + Partners in Vancouver, Canada, The Moult Agency and WhybinLawrence TBWA.

Because M&C Saatchi has many of Australia’s largest, most iconicbrands on its client roster the role of creative services director is avital, highly demanding function within the agency.

M&C Saatchi executive creative director Ben Welsh said it wasimperative to get a person with the necessary skills, temperament andexperience to do the job performed so expertly by Fiona Rooney over 11years: “As one of the best in the business Michael is the perfect fit,” Welsh said.

“He has a thorough understanding of all creative and productionprocesses, is a great team builder and leader and knows how to caterfor clients big and small. We’re very excited he is joining us.”

Cleary is relishing the challenge: “M&C Saatchi has one of the largest, most dynamic creativeoperations in the country and I can’t wait to test my mettle in thatenvironment,” he said.