Kelly Putter has been appointed by Rainger and Rolfe as the agency’s new Creative Director.
Putter takes over the role from Chris Long, who continues to work with the agency but recently left as an FTE for family health reasons.
Ant Rainger says: “We are delighted to welcome a world-class talent like Kelly into the agency. With previous CD and creative leadership roles at Ogilvy (Singapore), Saatchi (Singapore), Campaign Palace (Sydney) and as a partner at Cape Town agency, Old Friends Young Talent, Putter brings global experience as well as a depth of knowledge and skill to take R&R into the next decade and beyond.”
Winning his first Cannes Lion at 18, Putter was reared in the industry from a young age thanks to his father – one of South Africa’s industry greats.
He spent many childhood holidays here thanks to his mum’s Kiwi roots.
“I may have inherited my father’s creative acumen, but my sense of humour and rugby skills, I got from Mum.”
Putter moved to New Zealand in 2020 after co-owning an agency, Old Friends Young Talent, for 10 years in Cape Town, where he penned campaigns for clients including KIA, Jack Daniel’s and Heineken and mentored young talent as part of the agency’s corporate social responsibility initiative.
He has already hit the ground running at R&R, bringing fresh eyes and creative flair to the agency’s stable of clients.
Putter says: “What I like about R&R are the established brands they have formed authentic partnerships with, not to mention the integrity of the management team and how they approach business. So when this opportunity came along, I couldn’t wait to get stuck in.
“I’m grateful to be a part of a trusted, independent business, brimming with great people.”
