M+C Saatchi Group’s new CEO, Dani Bassil, has appointed Anita Zanesco to the newly created role of Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), covering operations across Australia and New Zealand. Zanesco will lead the Group’s strategic growth initiatives, working closely with Bassil and the core leadership team across the Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland offices.
Her responsibilities include driving growth with new clients and capabilities, as well as “supercharging” existing clients to ensure they fully leverage the agency’s offerings across advertising, PR, social and influence, sports and entertainment, consulting, and production.
Dani Bassil said:
“Anita is rare. She brings a wealth of knowledge of our industry, but most importantly, she understands what clients need in an ever-changing marketing environment. Anita is part coach, part growth strategist, part client connector. Her role will be entirely focused on M+C’s strategic growth, and I’m thrilled she has joined us on this mission.”
Anita Zanesco brings nearly two decades of agency and marketing experience, including senior roles at Trinity P3, Havas, Eval8ing, and more recently, Clemenger BBDO. During her career, she managed some of the largest pitches in the country and has previously collaborated with Bassil in a similar growth-focused role.
Zanesco said:
“I could not be more excited to join one of Australia’s most iconic agencies. Dani is a fearless, exceptionally talented leader, and also one of the kindest, most generous people I’ve met. I didn’t hesitate to join the global push to embed growth in key markets. M+C’s legacy is building enduring platforms for some of the country’s most loved and trusted brands, and I’m excited to continue creating world-class ideas that are part of culture.”
In addition, M+C Saatchi recently promoted Emma Robbins to Chief Creative Officer, Melbourne, and brought on Louise Rutherford from Thinkerbell as a Client Partner. Strengthening Melbourne operations has been a key focus for the new CEO.
However, Bassil faces challenges following the loss of major clients like Optus, part of Woolworths, and the retirement of the media brand Bohemia, which impacts headcount and costs. Outgoing APAC CEO Justin Graham supported her transition through August.
Despite these challenges, M+C Saatchi Group is strengthening its leadership in the ANZ region, focusing on growth and client success. With Anita Zanesco and Dani Bassil at the helm, the agency is well-positioned to deliver world-class ideas and expand its impact across the region.
