Ogilvy ANZ CEO Sally Kissane steps down
Sally Kissane
Ogilvy Network’s ANZ CEO, Sally Kissane, has today announced she will step down from her role this month, after a three-decade tenure at the agency.
Kissane started at Ogilvy Sydney in client service in the early 1990s. She then spent ten years with Ogilvy New York, primarily working on the IBM global account.
In 2012, she returned to Sydney to lead Ogilvy One, a role she remained in for six years. By 2018, she was named managing director of Ogilvy Australia, partnering with Michelle Holland. Finally, in 2021, she became CEO of Ogilvy Australia.
Kissane spearheaded the creation of the Ogilvy Network ANZ. Under her leadership, Ogilvy Australia has been named Employer of Choice for seven years running in The Australian Business Awards, a record.
Sally Kissane
“I have been incredibly fortunate to work with the most talented teams, as well as brave and innovative clients throughout my career at Ogilvy. This is a testament to Ogilvy’s ability to develop its talent for the long-term, and I have often said that I ‘bleed red’ as a result,” she said in a release on Tuesday afternoon.
“It’s actually my loyalty to Ogilvy that has led me to make this difficult decision, at a time that our network, and our broader industry is at a pivotal point in its evolution.”
She said after 30 years, she believes new leadership is required for a new Ogilvy chapter. In turn, she too will move into “the next exciting stage of [her] career”.
She said: “I feel incredibly proud of the work that the Ogilvy team has executed over the years, the creativity and effectiveness that we’ve put at the forefront of everything we do, and most importantly, the vibrant culture we have continually fostered. The formation of the Ogilvy ANZ Network will be one of the defining points of my career.
“Together with Ogilvy ANZ’s leaders and staff, we have almost doubled in size and connected our capabilities to become the most truly integrated agency in ANZ. I have been fortunate to work with the most incredible leadership team who will continue the lead the charge.
“I will miss Ogilvy, our people, and our clients immensely but will remain a close friend to the business, and will watch its continued success, cheering from the sidelines,” Kissane said.
She will leave this month, with successors now being considered. In the interim, Ogilvy executives will continue to lead the agency network, implementing a “clear and established agency plan” with the support of WPP Australia and New Zealand president Rose Herceg.
Herceg described Kissane as a “champion of creativity”. The pair have worked together for many years, and she said she has always “deeply admired” Kissane as a leader.
“Sally’s commitment to work that drives measurable growth for our clients through the power of culture, has been unwavering,” Herceg said in the release.
“Her commitment to developing female leadership has been a driving force of change; category-breaking initiatives like ‘Changing the Face’ and ‘SheCD’ among other talent development programs including the Goliath Grad program, has led to a significant shift in ensuring Ogilvy’s talent reflects our broader community.
“She leaves a culture that celebrates teamwork, collaboration and diversity of thought, and we’ll always be very grateful for the significant role she has played in the development of Ogilvy’s ANZ capability, and the Ogilvy brand. These are big shoes to fill.”
Global CEO of Ogilvy, Devika Bulchandani, also thanked Kissane.
“She didn’t just lead; she fostered an environment where creativity flourished, consistently delivering exceptional value and outstanding results for our clients in the ANZ market. Sally isn’t just leaving; she’s leaving a lasting mark that will be felt for years.”
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