McSweeney set to become McCann Erickson Central ECD
Following a lengthy search, McCann Erickson Central has found its executive creative director in the shape of Vince McSweeney, creative director of McCann Sydney.
McSweeney is set to move to Birmingham to take on the role, which sees Billy Mawhinney, who joined as acting executive creative director on a short term basis agree to continue to work with the Birmingham agency on a freelance basis.
McSweeney currently works with brands such as MasterCard, CPW, Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer, will take up his new role in January.
He began his career in advertising at McCann Melbourne, where he received the HK McCann Award for Outstanding Creative Leadership for his contribution to the General Motors account.
Said McSweeney; “I've always had it in the back of my mind to work in the UK. Both my parents are English and I have dual nationality. To be honest, even though I was brought up in Australia, I grew up on The Two Ronnies, toad-in-the-hole and FA Cup Finals.
“The way McCann Erickson Central goes about things is really impressive. The creative department already works very efficiently, so I'm looking forward to concentrating on improving the skills of the team and creating great work for our clients. I know I'm going to learn a great deal, and I'm really excited by this opportunity.”
Dean Lovett, CEO of McCann Erickson Central, added: “We are extremely excited that Vince is making the move to the UK to join us. He has been instrumental in the success of the McCanns in Australia and we are delighted that he has agreed to take on our challenge.
“Vince is an awarding-winning Creative, having received various GM APAC awards, including gold for his work on Astra and Ute. We look forward to him replicating his success here and providing our clients with award-winning creative.”
Lovett has led the search for a creative boss since January when creative director Gary Setchell announced his decision to leave the industry to teach.
Speculation turned towards KLM creative director Paul Baker returning to his former post, but this was denied leading to a long search by CEO Lovett, including a possible internal appointment.
Mawhinney then took on the role in May on a short-term basis.