After nearly 30 years with the agency, Sally Kissane has announced her decision to step down as CEO of Ogilvy Network ANZ. Known for her people-first leadership and commitment to creative excellence, Kissane’s exit marks the end of an era for the agency.
Reflecting on her journey, Kissane shared: “I have been incredibly fortunate to work with the most talented teams, as well as brave and innovative clients throughout my career at Ogilvy. This is a testament to Ogilvy’s ability to develop its talent for the long-term, and I have often said that I ‘bleed red’ as a result.
“It’s actually my loyalty to Ogilvy that has led me to make this difficult decision, at a time that our network, and our broader industry is at a pivotal point in its evolution. It’s never a good time to leave, but after 30 years I believe new leadership is required for a new Ogilvy chapter – while in turn, I also move into the next exciting stage of my career. I feel incredibly proud of the work that the Ogilvy team has executed over the years, the creativity and effectiveness that we’ve put at the forefront of everything we do, and most importantly, the vibrant culture we have continually fostered. The formation of the Ogilvy ANZ Network will be one of the defining points of my career. Together with Ogilvy ANZ’s leaders and staff, we have almost doubled in size and connected our capabilities to become the most truly integrated agency in ANZ. I have been fortunate to work with the most incredible leadership team who will continue the lead the charge. I will miss Ogilvy, our people, and our clients immensely but will remain a close friend to the business, and will watch its continued success, cheering from the sidelines.”
Kissane’s career began in client servicing at Ogilvy Sydney in the early 1990s. Over the years, she held several key leadership roles across markets including New York and Australia, playing a pivotal role in the creation of Ogilvy Network ANZ — now one of the region’s most integrated and awarded networks.
Devika Bulchandani, Global CEO of Ogilvy, praised her legacy: “Sally’s nearly three-decade journey at Ogilvy has been remarkable. Her infectious passion for our brand, our culture, and most importantly, the careers of our people has been clear to everyone she’s worked with. She didn’t just lead; she fostered an environment where creativity flourished, consistently delivering exceptional value and outstanding results for our clients in the ANZ market. Sally isn’t just leaving; she’s leaving a lasting mark that will be felt for years.”
“I have worked closely with Sally for many years and have always deeply admired her both as a leader, and a champion of creativity. Sally’s commitment to work that drives measurable growth for our clients through the power of culture, has been unwavering. Her commitment to developing female leadership has been a driving force of change; category-breaking initiatives like ‘Changing the Face’ and ‘SheCD’ among other talent development programs including the Goliath Grad program, has led to a significant shift in ensuring Ogilvy’s talent reflects our broader community. She leaves a culture that celebrates teamwork, collaboration and diversity of thought, and we’ll always be very grateful for the significant role she has played in the development of Ogilvy’s ANZ capability, and the Ogilvy brand. These are big shoes to fill.”, added Herceg
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