303 MullenLowe appoints Matt Oakley from Taxi Studio UK as new Chief Strategy Officer

In a hire that completes its senior bench, 303 MullenLowe Perth has appointed international talent Matt Oakley to the new position of Chief Strategy Officer.

Most recently Strategy and Planning Director at one of the UK’s most highly rewarded and recognised independent Brand Design firms Taxi Studio in Bristol and London, Oakley will move from Bristol to Perth to take up the role in June, joining MD René Migliore and newly appointed Chief Creative Officer Damian Royce.

During Oakley’s career, he has worked on some of the world’s biggest brands across a diverse range of categories spanning beverages, financial services, telcos, healthcare and FMCG, honing his skills at a number of independent, international agencies. He was also at the forefront of the Customer Experience movement working with financial services and utilities to optimise the interaction between brands and customers.

303 MullenLowe Perth Managing Director René Migliore said Matt’s international brand-building experience teamed with his ability to focus on strategic effectiveness would be an ideal fit for the agency, as its integrated capabilities continue to expand.

“Matt’s ability to look strategically at any business issue and develop solutions that intersect creativity and technology is incredibly exciting, and something both our current and future clients will benefit from,” he said.

“Driving effective outcomes is also part of 303 MullenLowe’s DNA and we put strategy at the heart of everything. Matt’s proven experience across a range of sectors will not only bolster our ability to keep producing great work, but the kind of results that drive real change and make a clear difference to our clients’ business. We’re thrilled that of any agency across the globe, he saw the exciting opportunity to join 303 MullenLowe Perth – a market that has always punched above its weight.”

Oakley said he was thrilled to be moving to Australia to join 303 MullenLowe, and was impressed by the agency’s track record in effectiveness.

“Producing work that has a positive impact on a business’s bottom line is hugely important, particularly given the current global economy. I’m looking forward to marrying 303 MullenLowe’s pedigree of robust thinking with an entrepreneurial creative spirit to further enhance our effectiveness credentials, and ultimately help the brands we work with, thrive. With all of the exceptional talent across the group, it’s an incredibly exciting time to be joining 303 MullenLowe,” he said.

Oakley joins an already strong senior team at 303 MullenLowe Perth; in addition to the leadership of Migliore and Royce, he will also work closely with Head of Planning Smiljka Dimitrijevic, plus Head of Business Management Taryn Payne and Head of Production Johnathan Julius.

As part of the agency’s national presence, he will also collaborate with 303 MullenLowe Sydney Chief Strategy Officer Jody Elston, Chief Creative Officer Bart Pawlak and strategic design expert Marque Kabbaz in developing cross market collaboration.

“In addition to his incredible brand nous, Matt’s ability to unlock new business opportunities and provide strategic counsel to clients and teams will be highly valued as we continue to guide the business through a challenging market,” Migliore concluded.