Following on from the news of former chief executive Nicky Bell’s departure, StopPress can now confirm that director of strategy Murray Streets has also left the organisation.
Streets first joined the agency in 2004 as a senior planner before being promoted to director of strategy in 2007 (he also served as general manger from 2009 to 2010).
The news of his departure was confirmed in a statement from general manager Paul Wilson (who will be promoted to managing director in March).
“I can confirm that Murray left the agency at the end of last year,” Wilson said.
“He made a huge contribution during his time with Saatchi & Saatchi and played an important role in our transformation. Murray’s a top bloke and we wish him all the best.”
When Nicky Bell first came on-board with Saatchi & Saatchi as chief executive, she worked very closely with Streets and the pair was integral in turning the agency around after a few tough years.
Wilson said Streets’s departure allowed the orgnanisation the opportunity to look at a fresh approach for how its planning department is structured.
“We’re currently in discussion with several really interesting candidates and will have news to share on this shortly.
Though unrelated to the departure of Streets, Wilson also announced that Saatchi had hired a new brand strategist.
“We are pleased to announce that Gina Williams has just started with us this week as brand strategist, coming from roles at Colenso, DDB, Droga 5 Sydney and Mojo Sydney over the past few years, delivering big brand campaigns alongside smart digital engagement.”