Reilly takes on the role previously occupied by Graham Warsop, who will remain a non-executive director and shareholder, but will now focus on his role as chairman of the brand licensing company, The Jupiter Drawing Room (South Africa) & Partners.
Jupiter CEO Renee Silverstone welcomed Reilly saying, "He is more than just a creative talent and leader. He has phenomenal strategic and business acumen and a passion for providing solutions that solve client's business problems."
Reilly, who began as junior copywriter in 1998 scooping up numerous prestigious awards along the way, is the only South African to have won two Cannes Lion Grand Prix awards.
Warsop says, "His appointment heralds in a new era of creative leadership. His thorough grasp of the new communications landscape, his exceptional creative skills and his belief in the agency are inspiring. He is set to achieve great things for our agency, our clients and the industry."
Reilly says Jupiter is the perfect platform to start implementing the skills and beliefs he has developed over the course of his career. "While the local industry is seemingly content to continue doing what they've been doing for the last three decades, the international fraternity has shifted the paradigm to become business partners to their clients. This agency is hungry and primed for the shift required to catapult us into the realm of relevance. With the right focus and attitude, we will blaze this trail in South Africa."
He adds his goal is to extend the agency's leading position as the most respected agency within the industry. "I want every South African talking about our work. We will achieve this by creating the most insightful, meaningful and relevant communication and experiences. I would also like the agency to be the first South African agency to win the Titanium Cannes Lion. I believe we can do this within five years."
