Saatchi & Saatchi appoints Leif Stromnes as chief strategy officer

Saatchi & Saatchi Australia and New Zealand have announced the appointment of Leif Stromnes as chief strategy officer, he will be responsible for shaping the agency’s strategic direction.

In New Zealand, Stromnes will work alongside Saatchi & Saatchi NZ executive strategy director Tim Cullinane and the team to support the integration of strategic thinking and creative output.

Mark Cochrane, CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand, says: “Leif’s strategic expertise and leadership, alongside his collaboration with Tim and the wider NZ strategy community, brings further momentum and aperture for our clients and creators. As we continue to evolve our ‘Nothing Is Impossible’ company focus, his perspective will help unlock new possibilities and exponential thinking in a world yet seen. He’s also a good guy, so we are all looking forward to Leif joining in the new year.”

Award-winning leader

Stromnes is an award-winning strategy leader with more than 30 years’ experience across South Africa, Australia, Asia and the US. Throughout his career, he has shaped strategies for some of the world’s most recognised brands, including Unilever, McDonald’s, Westpac, Volkswagen and Tourism Australia.

On his appointment, Stromnes says: “I’m thrilled to be joining such a storied and acclaimed creative agency in our region. I have long been an admirer of the consistently high bar that Saatchi & Saatchi has set and with the power of Publicis Groupe behind us, I’m excited to see how we can truly unlock the ‘Nothing is Impossible’ mantra for our clients and business.”

Stromnes will commence his new role in January.