M&C Saatchi Australia nabs Andy DiLallo from Leo Burnett

According to the agency, DiLallo's appointment to the newly created role followed a year-long global search. 

“He remained our target," Tom McFarlane, M&C Saatchi's regional creative director, said of DiLallo in a release. "His creative credentials, leadership experience and global perspective made him the perfect candidate for the job."

Over the course of his 14-year career, DiLallo has been involved in winning 51 Cannes Lions including six Grand Prix and 20 One Show Pencils. He has also been inducted to the Clio Hall of Fame. 

The appointment will allow McFarlan to focus on key business within the agency’s global network which has undergone significant recent growth, according to the agency.

Ben Welsh will continue as executive creative director across the M&C Saatchi Group in Sydney while Paul Taylor will continue as ECD of the Melbourne office.

“With CEO Jaimes Leggett now well and truly settled in and doing a remarkable job, along with chief strategy officer Justin Graham, now is the perfect time to step up a gear creatively," added McFarlane. 

On his decision to move from Leo Burnett, DiLallo said, "The time has come for me to change direction, but not course. M&C Saatchi is one of the great Australian advertising brands, hugely respected among both clients and peers. Our industry has never been more progressive and M&C Saatchi is perfectly positioned to help lead the way.”

When reached for comment, Pete Bosilkovsky, MD of Leo Burnett Sydney said, "Andy has been an important part of our team for a long time and while we’ll certainly miss him, we’re also thrilled for his next move. Change brings new opportunity for the company and with succession planning already in place, we’re excited about the new creative chapter it opens."