SYDNEY – Another appointment was made by M&C Saatchi. Paul Coles from GPY&R/VML has been appointed to Group Head on IAG’s direct insurance brands NRMA, SGIO and SGIC as well as other key agency accounts.
Coles came from a four-year career with Y&R where he was Group Account Director and New Business Lead, instrumental in the significant agency growth of key clients such as Emirates, NSW Government and Brown Forman among others. He will now lead the Australia’s largest insurer in the position newly created after M&C Saatchi won the account in a pitch that comprised incumbent Whybin TBWA earlier this year.
Highlights of his time at Y&R include leading the St Vincent’s ‘Signed Finds’ campaign which won numerous Effie’s and propelled the agency to Most Effective of the Year in 2012. He was also integral in launching digital offering VML into the Australian market.
Coles was the most creatively awarded suit in the Y&R Group with success at the likes of Cannes, AWARD, SXSW, One Show, Spikes, AIMIA, IAB and ADMA.
“Paul’s experience, skillset and sheer business acumen are best in market and a perfect fit for this major role within our Group. Paul’s record speaks for itself. He possesses a razor-sharp strategic mind, a highly attuned business sense and a passion for people and creativity. We are thrilled to have him on board,” said M&C Saatchi Australia CEO Jaimes Legget.
“The vision for the agency, their willingness to invest in change, the calibre of the talent and an enviable client list – it was all really impressive. I am excited to be a part of it all,” said Coles.
Coles is the latest in a large injection of market-leading talent into M&C Saatchi that includes the appointments of Group Strategy Directors Ross Berthinussen from BBH London and Kate Smither from Ogilvy & Mather UK.
