CEO Monthly Issue 3 2018

12 CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 3 2018 , M&C Saatchi is a confederation of 11 specialist agencies - frombrand strategy & design, PR, sponsorship, retail specialists andmedia. We spoke to CEO, Jaimes Leggett to find out a bit more about his own role, and the journey he has taken throughout his career. Setting an Example for Others to Follow M&C Saatchi is designed to engage the customer at every point in which they encounter a brand. Together, the group exceeds 550 people and more than $105 million in annual revenue, making it one of the largest agencies in Australia. Jaimes starts off by walking us through his career milestones, referencing his upbringing and education, explaining how he came to be in his position as CEO at M&C Saatchi. “Coming from a cultural background, I was born in Botswana, schooled in South Africa and lived in New Zealand from 13, before heading to London in early 20s for work opportunities. From there, I did a Bachelor of Commerce with a double major in marketing and communications systems at the University of Auckland, graduating in 1999. Working as a barman in the Hyatt Hotel during university, I got to know the familiar faces. Some of them became mentors, and one introduced me to the UMC ad agency - my first job.” During the 1990’s, this was an interesting time to work in advertising, and Jaimes goes on to describe how the rise of the internet led to digital agencies becoming a great team to work for. “By the 90’s, brands were beginning to understand that there were commercial implications. A digital agency, Netbyte, offered me a job, and so I jumped. I was presented with exciting opportunities in the new shiny world of digital. This ultimately led to me moving to London in 2004. Clients started spending more money, particularly in Britain - big market, big brands, big money, big digital agencies.” It was at this job when Jaimes realised that advertising was his calling, and it was through digital agencies that he gained experience and worked his way up through the companies. Gaining experience at an agency called Grand Union, eventually becoming Managing Director, before selling the business in 2010 and he moved on to another agency, before settling at where he is now, as he explains. “Ogilvy & Mather, the biggest agency in the world, was making wholesale changes with its management team. We decided we quite liked each other and were excited by the brief, which was to make the London agency the jewel in the crown of the network. After six months, I was promoted to managing director. “Then came the offer to move to M&C Saatchi in Sydney. After a decade living in London, I had married Lee, who ran the Dare agency, and had two kids; it was an opportunity we couldn’t refuse, and I haven’t taken my foot off the pedal since. Upon joining M&C Saatchi, Jaimes was very excited about this role and the future of the firm. He describes what his role is now and tells us how he feels he gets the best out of his staff, operating with a leadership style which gives others freedom to create. “M&C Saatchi was started 22 years ago, and has always had an entrepreneurial spirit – which hasn’t changed. Our businesses are for the most part built, rather than acquired. So as a leader I need to ensure that this entrepreneurial mindset of my team is nurtured. However, at the same time, they are allowed the freedom they need to explore and innovate each as leaders of their own businesses. I believe that a collaborative and inclusive style is what brings us together to create great work. 1803CE01