Octagon, IPG’s global creative agency specialising in sport and entertainment, has announced the promotion of Simone Errey to managing director, Australia.
Formerly Octagon’s head of operations, APAC, Errey will now oversee the agency’s local creative, planning, strategy, commercial consulting, client services and production teams, while also retaining a key position on the APAC Senior Management Team.
“In her 13 years at Octagon, Simone has proven herself pivotal to the evolution of our agency, the launch and growth of new markets, and award-winning creative campaigns; so I have no doubt that in this role she will have the same unique kind of influence and impact, to raise the bar for the industry, our teams, and the work we create for our clients,” said Aykan Azar, managing director, Octagon APAC. “Being able to promote Simone affirms the enormous talent that we’ve been able to nurture from within our ranks. She joins good company amongst an exceptionally strong group of female leaders we have across our agency, and hopefully provides inspiration for other women in our industry.”
“Over the many years, and many roles I have played, I have been exceptionally lucky to find myself working with clients who were willing to push beyond the expected, and re-think how traditional sponsorships or partnerships could help them tell a story – one that people actually cared to listen to,” said Errey. “Right now, there is no better time to be in the business of helping brands find a meaningful role that connects people with their passions through creativity. With the brilliant news that Brisbane will host the 2032 Olympic Games, Australia is now looking at a decade-plus run of exceptional events which will attract the attention of billions.”
As part of Errey’s promotion, the agency has also made changes to strengthen the leadership team that counts Mastercard, Cisco and ANZ amongst its local clients. Kirsty Jones has been promoted to business and client director, Australia who will bed-in excellence across agency operations. David Gregory has been promoted to strategy director, APAC, to oversee commercial consulting and partnership strategy. Additionally, Tom Healey will continue to oversee key clients and business development having recently returned from Octagon Japan, where he helped deliver Mastercard’s Cannes Lion winning Rugby World Cup program.