Creative leader Jason Williams is stepping into a newly created regional role as head of creative excellence at Publicis Groupe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APAC & MEA).
He will report to Natalie Lam, chief creative officer at Publicis Groupe, APAC & MEA.
The shift recognises Williams’ contribution to Leo Burnett Australia over the past 15 years, where he is currently chief creative officer. The agency recently won the Innovation Lions Grand Prix at Cannes Lions 2022 along with Silver and Bronze Lions for One House to Save Many, a transformative platform for Suncorp.
Williams is also behind projects such as Bonds Out Now, Reword, #MyFamilyCan, BYO Cup Day, and many more, which have shaped the entrepreneurial culture and progressive creativity that Leo Burnett Australia strives for.
Jason Williams and Natalie Lam
Williams will focus on elevating the creative output of the Groupe’s most significant and ambitious clients. He will continue to collaborate with Publicis Groupe Australia, bolstering each market in APAC & MEA by connecting creatives, technology, media and data experts to global brands and opportunities.
Natalie Lam said, “Jason is a creative heavyweight in Australia and the global Leo Burnett network, now we are lucky to share his creative firepower with all of Publicis Groupe APAC & MEA and with many more markets, clients and teams.
“I’m thrilled to have the chance to partner with him to deliver even stronger business impact and creative excellence, as well as shaping the overall creative vision for Publicis Groupe to be the best modern creative powerhouse with many exciting initiatives for a connected community of 4,000+ creatives.”
Andy Fergusson is also being promoted to the role of national executive creative director at Leo Burnett Australia, with responsibility for the creative product across Sydney and Melbourne.
Emma Montgomery and Andy Fergusson
Fergusson joined Leo Burnett Sydney in 2020 and has been instrumental in the agency’s new business and creative wins, including the launch of ‘Feel New’ for Destination NSW and the recent Grand Prix-winning Suncorp campaign, ‘One House to Save Many’.
Fergusson has led accounts across the US, Asia and Australia during a 10-year stint at Droga5, which was named Agency of the Decade by AdAge and AdWeek in the year he left.
Throughout his career, he has influenced changes to US law, made a music video with Beyoncé, recreated the internet using plasticine, and turned blood into currency, making headlines around the world and receiving countless awards along the way.
He will work closely with Emma Montgomery, CEO at Leo Burnett Australia, and Catherine King, chief strategy officer, to lead the agency’s growth.
Fergusson said: “I’m beyond excited about the opportunity to help shape the future of Leo Burnett in Australia, alongside Emma and Cath. We have such great creative momentum right now across both offices. And with a bunch of truly ambitious clients, and a really strong talent pool, I think we are well placed to continue that momentum.”
Williams and Fergusson step into their new roles this month.