SYDNEY – Xero, Australia’s most innovative company, has appointed M&C Saatchi, the nation’s second most innovative company, with a global creative and strategic remit.
Xero and M&C Saatchi were named number one and number two respectively on the prestigious BRW 50 Most Innovative Companies list in October.
Xero is a leading global online accounting software company, with offices in Australia, the US, UK and New Zealand. Xero’s cloud-based accounting software powers more than 475,000 small businesses around the world.
M&C Saatchi has been appointed to develop strategy and creative in each of Xero’s regional markets from its Sydney base.
The appointment reunites Xero Chief Marketing Officer Andy Lark with M&C Saatchi.
Lark was the Commonwealth Bank of Australia Chief Marketing and Online Officer when the bank appointed M&C Saatchi in February 2012.
The bank enjoyed a fruitful working relationship with the agency during the launch and rollout of the CommBank Can brand platform that continues to achieve brilliant results.
Lark said: “I know first hand just how adept M&C Saatchi is in delivering fantastic business outcomes. What’s really impressive is how they have continually evolved to be the most progressive player, with the best talent, in the industry.
“I can’t wait to get back in the saddle with them and ignite the Xero brand worldwide.”
M&C Saatchi CEO Jaimes Leggett said: “Xero is one of the most progressive companies in Australia. Agency/client relationships are rapidly evolving and we are constantly looking for new ways we can help solve clients’ business problems.
“Clients like Xero open up new worlds of possibility and we are thrilled to have this opportunity to work with Andy and his team to take the brand to another level on the global stage.”
The appointment follows M&C Saatchi’s recent recruitment of Andy DiLallo, ranked in the top five Chief Creative Officers in the world, as CCO. Dilallo joins Chief Strategy Officer Justin Graham and Leggett as the spearhead of the M&C Saatchi Group.
