Global creative communications agency M&C Saatchi PR has promoted agency Co-Founder Chris Hides to Global Managing Director and hired Davnet Doran as its new UK Managing Director.
Working closely with Global CEO and Co-Founder Molly Aldridge, Chris Hides will lead the charge across EMEA and the US to evolve and grow the agency’s capability worldwide. Doran’s remit will be to continue the success of the UK business.
As UK MD, Doran will be responsible for developing the talent within the UK business, consolidating the agency’s offering at hub and working closely with the Director group to deliver best in class client campaigns as well as drive new business wins across the agency’s passion brands. Doran will also be involved in and provide senior counsel to some of the agency’s biggest UK clients which include Dixons Carphone, Alibaba, Lipton, BT/EE and Nude by Nature.
Doran makes the move across to M&C Saatchi PR after five years with Unity. In her previous role, Doran grew the business by 20% and led notable integrated campaigns such as the M&S Christmas campaign #FollowTheFairies and launch of Baileys Chocolat Luxe. Moreover, she’s worked alongside big blue chip brands such as GSK, Coca Cola, Eurostar and Nintendo UK. Doran has also won multiple awards for cultivating growth and agency culture and from PRWeek Mid-Sized Agency of the Year to Best Agency to Work For.
Aldridge, Global CEO & Co-Founder, M&C Saatchi PR comments: “I’m extremely excited to promote Chris to a global role helping me to oversee all 12 markets within our network – and I’m sure more as we move in to 2018—continuing the partnership that’s delivered such UK success to date. Equally excited to welcome Davnet into the M&C Saatchi PR family—she’s got fantastic pedigree and I’m sure will add a new perspective and way of thinking to the UK team.”
She continued: “With over 18 years’ experience of producing award-winning, multi-channel campaigns, I am confident that Davnet’s multifaceted expertise will ensure that we not only continue to deliver impactful, blended campaigns for our UK clients, but will see us raise the bar to new heights. Chris’s promotion and Dav’s arrival marks an exciting new phase for the agency as we move into the new year.”
Hides commented: “I am very proud of what we have achieved with the UK agency from its small beginnings just seven years ago. Taking what we have applied so successfully in the UK to different markets around the world is a fantastic challenge and a rare career opportunity and I am very much looking forward to it.”
Doran adds “It’s an honor to be taking this leadership position within the UK team. The people at M&C Saatchi PR have a phenomenal reputation for being very talented, effective and lots of fun. I look forward to being a part of their continued success—delighting and inspiring new and existing clients with great work in 2018 and beyond.”