Global advertising agency M&C Saatchi has announced the appointment of Jaimes Leggett as the group’s new CEO.

Mr Leggett, a New Zealander, will take the role after he stepped down as Managing Director of Ogilvy & Mather UK to take up the Sydney based role. He will report directly to M&C Saatchi’s Worldwide Chairman Tom Dery.

Since taking the helm at Ogilvy & Mather, Mr Leggett restructured the company and drove solid two digit growth year on year.

Tom Dery said the appointment represented a watershed moment in M&C Saatchi’s 18-year history.

“Jaimes is a proven leader, problem solver and generator of new business. His experience in dealing with global ideas and digital businesses has equipped him well to lead our group into the future.

“Most importantly, he recognises the value of ideas.

“And, aside from everything else, Jaimes is a great guy who’s personality will endear him to our staff and our clients.”

He will have “total autonomy to propel the business forward with support from myself, Tom McFarlane, Managing Director David Whittle, Executive Creative Director Ben Welsh and the rest of the leadership group”, Tom said.

Jaimes called the role “a World Class opportunity to work with some of the great talents in the industry (on both the client and agency side). What’s more it’s in my part of the world”.