McCann New Zealand Promotes Four to Group Creative Directors

McCann New Zealand has promoted creative partnerships Alan Jones and Angelo An, and Matt Williams and Freddie Coltart, to newly-created group creative director roles.

The appointments strengthen the agency’s senior creative leadership team as McCann continues to take shape following the integration of DDB Aotearoa, FCB Aotearoa, and Clemenger BBDO. They also reflect the scale of the newly integrated agency, which now spans Auckland and Wellington and is home to New Zealand's largest creative department.

The new group creative director roles have been introduced to lead growing creative teams, strengthen senior oversight of the work, and support an expanding portfolio of local and regional clients.

Both Matt and Freddie, and Alan and Angelo are among New Zealand's longest-running creative partnerships, having built award-winning careers together while playing a central role in shaping work across the agency's portfolio through creative excellence, leadership and mentorship.

Alan and Angelo said, "By combining three iconic agencies, McCann has created arguably the most stacked creative department the country has ever seen. So, it's very flattering to be asked to step into this role, and we're excited to make the most of this strange twist of fate."

Matt and Freddie added, "We worked at FCB and loved it. We worked at DDB and loved it. Now, we don’t have to choose! It's a great team, full of people way smarter than we are, so it's a real privilege to do our bit."

McCann New Zealand chief creative officer, Gary Steele, said the appointments were an important step in the agency's next chapter.

"Bringing three creative departments together has given us an incredible depth of talent. As we've grown, it became clear we needed to evolve our leadership structure to keep pushing the quality of the work while giving our teams the support they need to do their best thinking. These new roles provide Alan, Angelo, Matt, and Freddie with a mandate to lead teams and help shape the creative standard of McCann New Zealand,” he said.

McCann New Zealand chief creative officer, Leisa Wall, added that all four creatives had earned the opportunity through the strength of their work and leadership.

"These are people who make the work better, challenge the thinking and elevate everyone around them. They've consistently delivered creatively for our clients while helping build a culture where great ideas can thrive."

The appointments are effective immediately.