Ogilvy snares True MD Steve Kane

AUCKLAND, Thursday: Ogilvy Network ANZ has snared True MD Steve Kane to head its NZ business. He now becomes group managing director of Ogilvy NZ, including Designworks.

Effective immediately, Kane will lead both agencies’ teams, tasked with driving integration and growth. In the new position he will also work closely with the local leadership team and report to Sydney-based Ogilvy Network ANZ ceo Sally Kissane.

Sally Kissane said: “It’s been a delight getting to know Steve and his wonderful career journey.

“His extraordinarily varied career in brand, PR, production and communications is the perfect mix for our ambitions for Ogilvy in NZ.

“The Ogilvy Network spans brand and advertising, experience, consultancy, and PR & influence, and includes the powerhouse that is Designworks. Steve is the ideal fit to take our integrated proposition to the next level.

“Growing up in Tāmaki Makaurau, Kane started his career almost 30 years ago in television production and PR, which lured him to London.

“After five successful years in corporate public relations in London he returned home and to Publicis Drum PR for several years, before moving to DDB Aotearoa’s Mango PR as a group account director leading the Air New Zealand account.

“His love of creativity led to him becoming experiential creative director at DDB NZ. For the next five years he led award-winning activations in creative departments at networked agencies across Auckland.

“I’ve worked with Steve twice. He’s a Swiss Army knife of a human, who leads by example with deep knowledge of clients and brands and a love and passion for Aotearoa.”

Mr McWhopper
In 2014 Kane joined Y&RNZ as managing director, and managed the iconic Burger-King McWhopper campaign which went on to be the most awarded campaign in the world, including three Grand Prix at Cannes that same year.”

Ogilvy Network ANZ CCO Toby Talbot said: “I’ve worked with Steve twice during his career. He’s a Swiss Army knife of a human, who leads by example with deep knowledge of clients and brands and a love and passion for Aotearoa.

He is someone who leads with heart and genuine humanity. His only real flaw is his terrible dad jokes, but we can work on those. I cannot wait to see what Steve brings to Ogilvy and Designworks. This is, I believe, a landmark hire for both businesses.”

Kane has spent the last eight years leading agencies from the front, including most recently five years as MD of Auckland indie agency True.

Kane said: “It’s an honour to be given the opportunity to lead such a famous brand as Ogilvy.

“I look forward to working with the stellar talent in the building and across the ANZ regional network to release the full potential of Ogilvy in this market.

“And I’m also dead excited about getting immersed in a business with the reputation and pedigree of Designworks. I’ve long admired their holistic approach to design and the work they do for Aotearoa’s most iconic brands.”

Maxwell exits
Current Ogilvy Network NZ ceo Kelly-Ann Maxwell has resigned after five years with WPP including the past two with Ogilvy, to spend time with her family and pursue new opportunities.

Kissane said: “Kelly-Ann joined WPP initially five years ago to lead Designworks and has had several roles throughout the group, and as WPP NZ country lead during one of the most difficult periods throughout the pandemic.

“She led the formation of what we know today as the Ogilvy Network in NZ, and we are grateful for her leadership and support and wish her well as she enjoys more time with her young family.”