SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Ogilvy Network ANZ has today announced the departure of its Chief Executive Officer, Sally Kissane, marking the end of an extraordinary three decade journey with the global advertising network. Kissane, one of the region’s most respected agency leaders, will step down from her role later this month.
Kissane’s announcement brings to a close a distinguished career defined by leadership and an unwavering commitment to creativity and effectiveness. Her departure comes at a pivotal time for Ogilvy and the broader industry, as the agency continues its evolution to meet the changing demands of modern marketing.
She said of her decision: “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.”
Kissane began her career in client service at Ogilvy Sydney in the early 1990s. She later moved to Ogilvy New York, where she spent a decade managing the global IBM account. Returning to Australia, she became Managing Partner of OgilvyOne, driving results for clients like IBM and American Express. In 2018, she was appointed Managing Director of Ogilvy Australia, working alongside Michelle Holland, before being named CEO in 2021.
Under her leadership, the agency underwent a major transformation, culminating in the launch of Ogilvy Network ANZ, a fully integrated offering that has since been celebrated for both its creativity and business impact. During her tenure, Ogilvy Australia earned the Employer of Choice recognition for seven consecutive years from The Australian Business Awards.
Devika Bulchandani, Global Ogilvy CEO said: “Sally’s nearly three-decade journey at Ogilvy has been remarkable. Her infectious passion for our brand, our culture, and most importantly, the careers of our people has been clear to everyone she’s worked with. 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.”
While successors are being considered, Ogilvy’s outstanding leaders will continue to lead the charge within the agency, implementing a clear and established agency plan with the support of WPP Australia and New Zealand President Rose Herceg.
