David Ponce de León is leaving his long-standing role executive creative director of Ogilvy Melbourne and taking a 12-month sabbatical from the industry. 

Ponce de León first joined Ogilvy in 2015, develop the agency’s creative capabilities in Melbourne further and driving greater collaboration with the agency’s Sydney team. 

Since then, Ogilvy has embedded a national approach of borderless creativity, establishing a reputation for ambitious ideas and great depth of talent within the Melbourne creative team. He has also led awarded-winning work for major brands such as AAMI.  

Ogilvy Melbourne managing director, Gavin MacMillan, stated, “David has made an enormous contribution to the agency. He has been instrumental in transforming our creative approach and helped us achieve the highest accolades for numerous campaigns over the years, from AAMI SmartPlates all the way through the AAMI RestTowns, and many, many more.  

“He’s also been one of our cultural beacons and a strong believer in developing young talent. So, while he will be missed, we understand and support his desire to take an extended break from the industry.” 

Ponce de León said it has been “a dream come true, to lead Ogilvy Melbourne’s creative team and work on such incredible brands. 

“I’ve long admired Ogilvy’s work as a global network, so I jumped at the chance to become part of it seven years ago. They’ve been, without a doubt, the best years of my life and my career. I’ve made life-long friends and mentors. As a team we have achieved so much, from developing world-class campaigns through to winning awards and ensuring collaboration is part of everything we do.  

“As I approach my 25^th year in the industry as well as my 50^th birthday, the time is right to take stock and leave this team to evolve and grow into its next era over the coming year.”