The new role will see O’Brien lead Singleton Ogilvy & Mather, Badjar Ogilvy, Ogilvy One, Ogilvy Interactive, Neo @ Ogilvy, Ogilvy New Zealand and Etcom. All companies are jointly owned by STW and Ogilvy Worldwide, following a joint venture in 1998 when Ogilvy & Mather merged with John Singleton Advertising.
O’Brien will report directly to Michael Connaghan, chief executive of STW Group, and executive chairman Russell Tate.
His appointment coincides with the promotion of Andrew Varasdi to managing director, and Bruce Matchett to executive creative director of the Sydney branches of the above companies.
O’Brien was previously owner and head of Moon Design, also part of STW.
