Penny Sarfati switches from JWT to M&C Saatchi

JWT GM Penny Sarfati is switching to M&C Saatchi as managing partner on two of the agency’s key accounts.  

The announcement:

8 February 2011, Sydney – M&C Saatchi has appointed Penny Sarfati as managing partner responsible for the Woolworths portfolio and Qantas account.

Ms Sarfati has resigned as general manager of JWT and will begin her new role at M&C Saatchi on 22 February, 2011, reporting to managing director David Whittle.

She comes to the agency a proven performer at the highest echelons of account service either side of the Tasman.

Ms Sarfati rose to board business director at DDB following a decade at that agency, before her three-year stint at JWT.

She has been account service lead on a broad mix of local and global FMCG/retail, travel and telco clients throughout her career and was instrumental in DDB winning lead agency status on McDonald’s.

Mr Whittle said people of Ms Sarfati’s calibre are extremely rare.

“Penny’s skills and experience are second to none and she will be a fantastic addition to our team,” Mr Whittle said.

Ms Sarfati is relishing the opportunity posed by the role.

“Despite being a big agency and looking after some of Australia’s largest, most iconic brands, M&C Saatchi retains an unapologetic focus on it’s people,” she said.

“The opportunity to work on such well-loved Aussie brands, at one of the best and biggest agencies, was the perfect fit for me. I am very much looking forward to getting started.”

Source: M&C Saatchi press release