Saatchi & Saatchi has named Leif Stromnes as the new Chief Strategy Officer for its Australia and New Zealand operations, effective January 2026.
Confirming the news on LinkedIn, Stromnes shared, “Joining a new business is always daunting, but the way Saatchi & Saatchi have made me feel through this process confirms I’ve come to the right place.”
In this leadership role, he will oversee the strategic teams across Sydney and Melbourne, collaborating closely with chief creative officers Mandie van der Merwe and Avish Gordhan. His responsibilities will include shaping overall strategic direction, strengthening communications planning, and advancing the agency’s integration of AI.
Stromnes brings over 30 years of industry experience. Prior to this, he spent 25 years with DDB Group Australia, departing in July after a long tenure that began when he moved from South Africa in 1999. Before joining DDB, he held senior roles at TBWA\Worldwide and Ogilvy, contributing to major strategic initiatives throughout his career.
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