DDB has promoted its Melbourne MD, Mike Napolitano, to the newly-created role of Melbourne Group CEO.
“Having spent so much of my career at DDB Melbourne, I am incredibly proud of Mike and the whole team for what they have achieved in the last few years,” DDB Group AUNZ CEO Andrew Little said of Napolitano’s elevation.
“Mike is a brilliant leader who not only runs the Melbourne Group businesses but contributes significantly to our other leaders and businesses across the region. This is a very popular decision and is most deserved.”
In the new role, Napolitano will continue leading DDB Group in Melbourne across DDB, Tribal, Rapp, and Mango.
Napolitano joined joined DDB Melbourne in 2020 as group managing director. Prior to DDB, he was managing director of TBWA Melbourne, and has also worked in leadership roles at George Patterson Y&R – now part of VML following the merger at the end of 2023.
During his time at DDB, Napolitano has transformed the leadership team and won big accounts including Coles – DDB is a core part of Smith St – New Balance, Dulux, Movember, and government business. His hires include group executive creative director Psembi Kinstan, head of planning Matt Pearce, head of DDB group experience Ella Ward, and chief operating officer Tristan Alexander.
“It’s a great privilege to lead this amazing team in Melbourne. We’ve all worked hard on making the experience of being here at DDB Group Melbourne one of the best in the industry and that’s true for our people and our clients,” Napolitano said.
“There is still so much potential in our team and I’m excited and committed to working with the hugely talented leadership group to grow people’s careers and grow our clients’ brands through the creative power of our business. I truly have one of the best jobs in the industry.”
His promotion follows the appointment of Khia Croy as DDB Melbourne’s general manager. In May, DDB Melbourne also promoted creative partner Giles Watson to deputy executive creative director, and group creative director James Cowie to creative partner – head of copy.
Last week, DDB Melbourne client Porsche Cars Australia put its creative account up for pitch. DDB first won the account in 2015 in a pitch supported by Trinity P3.
Last week, Mediaweek revealed the Omnicom Group agency appointed Vanessa Boueyres as managing partner on the Westpac account at DDB Sydney, replacing Sasha Firth, who recently departed.
See also:
Exclusive: Vanessa Boueyres replaces Sasha Firth as DDB Westpac MP
New Balance and Kic launch run club via Mango
Porsche Cars Australia’s creative account up for pitch
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Top Image: Khia Croy and Mike Napolitano