DDB Melbourne has announced a new CEO.
On Monday morning, it was confirmed that current managing director, Mike Napolitano, has been promoted to Melbourne Group CEO to support the agency’s growth trajectory. He will report to Andrew Little, DDB Australia and New Zealand’s CEO and president.
Napolitano will continue to lead DDB Group’s brands in Melbourne in the elevated role, including DDB, Mango, Tribal and Rapp.
“It’s a great privilege to lead this amazing team in Melbourne. We’ve all worked hard on making the experience of being here at DDB Group Melbourne one of the best in the industry and that’s true for our people and our clients,” Napolitano said.
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“There is still so much potential in our team and I’m excited and committed to working with the hugely talented leadership group to grow people’s careers and grow our clients’ brands through the creative power of our business. I truly have one of the best jobs in the industry.”
Khia Croy and Mike Napolitano
Napolitano’s appointment is effective immediately.
Little described him as a “brilliant leader”.
“Having spent so much of my career at DDB Melbourne I am incredibly proud of Mike and the whole team for what they have achieved in the last few years,” he said.
“Mike is a brilliant leader who not only runs the Melbourne group businesses but contributes significantly to our other leaders and businesses across the region. This is a very popular decision and is most deserved.”
The news comes a week after DDB Melbourne appointed ex-Sunday Gravy general manager Khia Croy as its new general manager, reporting to Napolitano.
“I am honoured to be part of such a world class team, many of whom I’ve already had the privilege of working with in previous lives,” she said of her appointment last week.
“I count myself very lucky to be amongst them again and look forward to putting our collective experience to good use to make the most effective work in the market.”
Also last week, DDB Sydney appointed former M&C Saatchi managing partner Vanessa Boueyres to lead its Westpac account.
It came shortly after Sydney chief strategist Fran Clayton announced her departure after nearly ten years at DDB, to take on the chief strategy officer role at Ogilvy ANZ.
Also earlier this year, Tribal’s national managing director Davy Rennie moved to Publicis Groupe’s agencies Digitas and Balance. He spent over six years at DDB Group.
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