The return of Mike Abel

The move comes barely a year after his move to Australia. Comments Abel, “Family reasons have necessitated my return and given this, it has also provided the opportunity to do something new and rather special.”

“Mike is an outstanding leader and we understand he must go back; however, this development means we will have someone who is already highly regarded in the local marketplace,” says Tom Dery, worldwide chairman M&C Saatchi and who will take up the position of acting CEO Australia following Abel's move.

“Ideally suited”

“Mike has a unique skill set - combining local knowledge, an understanding of the M&C Saatchi culture, and an excellent agency background - and is hence ideally suited to establish us in South Africa.”

Moray McLennan, worldwide CEO of M&C Saatchi, says he had been considering the South African market as a next home for M&C Saatchi Agency for some time.

“I cannot think of anyone else in our network who we would trust more than Mike Abel with a start-up venture. We have complete faith in his ability and we are pleased to keep him in the M&C Saatchi fold.”

Especially in digital and mobile

Abel says he has loved working at M&C Australia and picked up terrific additional experience, especially in the digital and mobile space. “I am looking forward to the fabulous opportunity that lies ahead - to establishing a presence for the agency in South Africa, a market I know extremely well,” he adds.

Both Dery and Abel are eagerly anticipating taking up emerging opportunities in the southern hemisphere marketplace and to continuing their strong association.

Abel, who spent 15 years at Ogilvy South Africa, is a regular Bizcommunity.com contributor.

Article on M&C Saatchi revenue in The Sydney Morning Herald, 28 September 2009.click to enlarge