Saatchi & Saatchi Australia has appointed James Cowie as executive creative director and promoted Piero Ruzzene to the same role.
The newly created positions are effective immediately, reflecting the agency’s business momentum.
“These are exciting times for us,” said Saatchi & Saatchi Australia co-chief creative officers Mandie van der Merwe and Avish Gordhan.
“Off the back of nine new brands joining our client portfolio in the last 12 months, adding and recognising creative firepower was a natural decision.
“James is an excellent talent and is as smart as he is tall. He’ll bring deep experience and leadership to our team and our largest clients. We’re thrilled to have him as part of our team. And Piero has consistently and excellently delivered – winning awards, new business and our client’s hearts and minds. His promotion is not only deserved, but it’s also obvious.”
In a career spanning more than 20 years, Cowie has worked in New York across major global accounts before returning to Australia.
His work has been recognised at international award shows, including Cannes Lions, D&AD and The One Show.
“The chance to work on beloved Australian brands at an agency with Saatchi & Saatchi’s creative pedigree, alongside wonderful people like Mandie and Avish, was far too good to pass up,” Cowie said.
“I can’t wait to dive in with the team and create the best work of my career.”
Ruzzene joined the agency more than 11 years ago and was most recently creative director.
He has led some of the agency’s most loved recent work and received recognition across major award shows.
“I’m a Saatchi & Saatchi lifer. From being a junior burger back in the day to a Creative Director working across many of our biggest brands, it’s been a privilege to work under such an iconic name for more than a decade,” Ruzzene said.
“This new title is a step up, but it won’t change my drive to deliver work that lives up to the legacy across all our clients.”
Main image: Pierro Ruzzene, and James Cowie