Ogilvy Melbourne creates head of brand strategy role for award winning strategist Gavin MacMillan

Ogilvy Group Melbourne expands it strategy capabilities with the appointment of Gavin MacMillan to the newly created role of head of brand strategy.

Previously with DDB Melbourne, MacMillan has 15 years of local and international experience working with brands including Virgin, Jaguar, Lloyds TSB, ANZ, Origin and Jim Beam. 

Prior to joining DDB Melbourne in 2007, MacMillan spent 8 years at Y&R London.

MacMillan’s high level of business acumen and strong belief that creativity drives business growth will be key attributes to creating success for Ogilvy’s portfolio of clients.

He will be responsible for leading the strategy team in Melbourne and will also play a pivotal collaborative role with the broader Ogilvy Group both locally and internationally.

Says Michael McEwan, managing partner, BADJAR Ogilvy: “We specifically created this role with Gavin in mind. Ogilvy Group Melbourne is now more than 300 people strong with a diverse range of specialist skill sets. We firmly believe a collaboration of smart, creative minds is a critical ingredient in how we build tailored teams around client needs. Gavin is a natural collaborator, leader, teacher and sharer of ideas.”

MacMillan said: “I’ve long watched and admired the Ogilvy Group from afar. It’s quite incredible how it utilises its significant and diverse resources to create bespoke and nimble teams around client needs. I’m passionate about sharing ideas that build brands. This is a fantastic opportunity to use my specialist skills to have bigger conversations with clients and to be an integral part of unlocking growth opportunities for the Group moving forward.”

McEwan added: “Gavin will make an enormous contribution to our clients’ business success and our offer, while continuing to foster our culture of collaboration.”

MacMillan’s appointment is effective from June 4 2012 and is a further step towards Ogilvy’s ongoing commitment to attract the smartest brand strategists in the nation. He joins the team on the back of 2011 recruits Mark Sareff as national head of strategy and Gerry Cyron as head of brand strategy at Ogilvy Sydney.