SYDNEY, Today: Ogilvy has named Kirsty Muddle as its new CEO for Ogilvy Network ANZ, leading operations across Australia and New Zealand. She’ll oversee advertising, PR, social, customer engagement, consulting, and health.
Muddle brings deep expertise in data, tech, and media, along with a passion for creativity that’s set to boost Ogilvy’s momentum and connect its world-class talent across disciplines.
She joins from Dentsu, where she was CEO of Practices & Products for Australia and New Zealand, leading areas including creative, PR, CX, data, technology, and commerce.
With over 25 years’ experience, Muddle has founded businesses, led major agencies, and inspired teams to create work that grows brands and builds stronger client connections.
Ogilvy Global CEO Laurent Ezekiel said, “Kirsty has an undeniable track record of delivering real value and impact for clients. She deeply understands the complex challenges businesses face today and champions creativity not just for its own sake, but as a powerful force that can solve those challenges.
“Kirsty has an undeniable track record of delivering real value and impact for clients.” – Laurent Ezekiel, Ogilvy Global CEO
“Her ability to build strong, trusting relationships with clients, always putting their needs first, and her knack for bringing together diverse capabilities – from social and influencer to cutting-edge technology and data – to create truly impactful solutions, makes her an exceptional leader for Ogilvy in this key market. I look forward to working with her as we enter this next exciting chapter for Ogilvy.”
WPP President for ANZ Rose Herceg added, “When we searched for Ogilvy’s new leader, we felt we were asking for a unicorn – a modern marketer built for the emerging world, with strong business experience across the communications spectrum.
“In Kirsty, we found that rare blend; a genuine love for creativity that moves mountains, coupled with experience harnessing the disciplines that creativity needs to thrive in a dynamic, fast-moving media landscape.
“She was truly a standout choice, and we can’t wait to see the impact she’ll have at Ogilvy, bringing the kind of fresh, entrepreneurial perspective every business needs to stay ahead.”
“I’m humbled to partner with an incredible set of clients and the exceptional talent within both Ogilvy and WPP to harness the network’s full power and collectively move us all forward into what’s next.” – Kirsty Muddle
Muddle said, “Ogilvy is a place where every leader I’ve encountered has a strong point of view, saw change as an opportunity, and spoke with clarity about AI, data and integration but wasn’t lost in it.
“Importantly, they also never forgot why this business was born – the power of creativity to drive growth. That enduring belief made Ogilvy feel like home. I’m humbled to partner with an incredible set of clients and the exceptional talent within both Ogilvy and WPP to harness the network’s full power and collectively move us all forward into what’s next.”
Before Dentsu, Muddle co-founded cummins&partners, helping build its creative reputation over 11 years, and previously spent nine years at Mindshare in both the UK and Australia, honing her media expertise and passion for human-driven data.
She’s twice been named Woman of the Year and Executive of the Year, and currently serves on the boards of the ACA, AANA, and Ridgeway, an Indigenous social change agency.
Muddle starts at Ogilvy in early 2026, joining as the agency continues its strong momentum after recent wins with Tourism New Zealand and Specsavers, and recognition as Network of the Year at the 2025 APAC Effie Awards.
She replaces Sally Kissane, who stepped down in July after three decades with Ogilvy.
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