Saatchi & Saatchi NZ has promoted Lee Sunter to the new role of group executive creative director, to lead the agency’s creative. Steve Cochran has been appointed creative chair.

Sunter moves up from his role as ECD and will be responsible for leading the creative team and continuing to raise the standard of ideas and craft within the agency, ensuring work delivers measurable client outcomes.

Cochran transitions from his role as chief creative officer to creative chair, providing counsel across key client relationships.

Publicis Groupe ANZ chief creative officer, Dave Bowman, stated, “Creative excellence is built on strong leadership and an uncompromising focus on the work. Lee is an exceptional creative leader with a deep commitment to craft, culture and client impact. He has already helped shape some of the agency’s strongest award-winning work, and I’m excited to see him lead the next chapter of Saatchi & Saatchi NZ’s creative ambition. Steve’s experience and counsel will continue to be invaluable to our people and clients.”

Sunter was creative director at Saatchi & Saatchi Australia for four years, before moving to Auckland to join the network’s NZ agency in 2023. He commented, “It’s a privilege to lead such a talented team of people who care deeply about the work and still have fun making it. I want to create an environment where people can be themselves, push each other creatively and do the best work of their careers. Everything we put into the world should be thoughtful, beautifully made and earn people’s attention. It’s not about having a style. It’s about setting the standard every piece of work has to live up to.”

Cochran added,“I’m delighted to step into this new role, continuing to contribute to the ambitions of our clients and Saatchi & Saatchi. It’s also great to see Lee and the team lead the agency through these fast-evolving times. I look forward to providing counsel and support as we build on the creative momentum that this agency relentlessly pursues.”

Both appointments are effective immediately.