Leif Stromnes Appointed Saatchi & Saatchi Australia and New Zealand CSO

Saatchi & Saatchi Australia and New Zealand has appointed Leif Stromnes as chief strategy officer, effective January, where he will lead a team of senior strategists based in Melbourne and Sydney.

​Leif departed DDB Australia in July after 25 years with the agency, leaving as managing director of strategy and innovation.

Saatchi & Saatchi Australia CEO, Patrick Rowe, called strategy "the foundation of what we do", noting the CSO role is a critical one for the agency. It has been vacant since Rachel Walker stepped down in August to return to the UK.

 “Leif brings a wealth of experience and a future-focused mindset that will help us unlock even greater creative impact for our clients," Patrick said.

"His leadership will ensure we continue to deliver bold, innovative solutions that embody our belief that ‘Nothing is Impossible’. Plus, he’s a lovely human and a lot of fun. We’re excited to have him as part of our team.”

Leading the strategy team, Leif is expected to drive results-focused strategies that deliver measurable growth and impact for clients, while championing innovation in communications planning, and the application of AI.

Leif said he is "thrilled" to join a "storied and acclaimed creative agency" and to work closely with chief creative officers Mandie van der Merwe and Avish Gordhan.

"I have long been an admirer of the consistently high bar that Saatchi & Saatchi has set, and with the power of Publicis Groupe behind us, I’m excited to see how we can truly unlock the ‘Nothing is Impossible’ mantra for our clients and business," he said.

Throughout his career, Leif has shaped strategies for some of the world’s most recognised brands, including Unilever, McDonald’s, Arnott’s, Tourism Australia, Westpac, Virgin Airlines, Volkswagen, Coles, Mars, Kmart, and Telstra.

With more than 30 years’ experience across South Africa, Australia, Asia, and the US, Leif is an award-winning strategy leader whose appointment reflects a significant investment in Saatchi & Saatchi's strategic offering.

In October, the agency won 8 Effies for advertising effectiveness, including the prestigious Colin Wilson-Brown award.

Leif's remit includes a leadership role in New Zealand, partnering with Saatchi & Saatchi NZ’s executive strategy director Tim Cullihane and team.