Oliver Maisey to CD of McCann Worldgroup NZ

Oliver Maisey is joining McCann Worldgroup New Zealand as creativedirector after three years at BBDO Dubai. Effective November 1, he takes over the creativerole from Ben Lightfoot, who has held a joint role as creativedirector/managing director since McCann WorldGroup reopened its’ Auckland office two years ago.

In line with the structural changes implemented since Nick Brien tookthe helm of McCann WorldGroup back in April, Maisey will also join thenewly formed Australia/New Zealand Creative Council.

Maisey has heldnumerous high profile positions in New Zealand. He was previously ECDof M&C Saatchi Auckland, creative director of FCB New Zealand and of Generator Bates.

Prior to Generator Bates he worked as a commercials director. He’s also worked at Saatchi & Saatchi Wellington and Colenso BBDO, Auckland.

Says Lightfoot: “Nick Brien has placed a major priority on establishing McCannWG’s creative reputation, in particular in this region, therefore adedicated CD role alongside the establishment of a trans-Tasmancreative council will result in creative ideas that will transformbusinesses”.

Maisey said that after being away from New Zealandfor the past three years, he was surprised to find out that in hisabsence, McCann had reappeared in the market.

“I was even moresurprised to find out that far from being part of the old schoolhierarchy, they were small, nimble, and entrepreneurial, without any ofthe long-winded processes or inflated egos the industry is infamousfor. They still issue press releases though”.