Sid Lee taps Deloitte innovation lead to drive US growth as CEO
In a reversal of the typical consultancy-pilfering-agency talent narrative, Montreal-based Sid Lee has found its first US chief executive in Monitor Deloitte’s Andy Bateman.
Bateman joins from Deloitte in Australia
Bateman joins from the consultancy’s base in Sydney, Australia, where he is currently national lead partner for innovation strategy.
Sid Lee, which is part of the Hakuhodo DY Holding's Kyu group, hopes the chief executive officer’s experience in digital, data and C-suite-level business consulting will help it to scale in the US as a "digital-first creative company focused on orchestrating differentiated and branded end-to-end customer experiences", according to a statement.
To accelerate this business plan, four Kyu companies have been brought directly underneath the Sid Lee banner.
Digital Kitchen, Hornall Anderson, Red Peak and Infrared will now fold into the organization, pooling their expertise in branding, content, creative experience and sports and entertainment.
However, for the time being, all will remain in their respective locations and continue to operate as separate agency brands.
Bateman said: “With no legacy of expired agency practices, Sid Lee is a change-maker. This creative firm, now materially enhanced with the talents of Digital Kitchen, Hornall Anderson, Infrared and Red Peak, is an incomparable ally for clients looking to digitally reinvent their businesses through exceptional design know-how and creative differentiation.
“For me personally, this is an incredible opportunity that I just couldn’t resist and a terrific next step in my career journey. It also marks a return to the US after nine wonderful years in Sydney.”
Bateman will be based in Sid Lee’s LA base and work closely with office’s managing director, Nicholas Van Erum. He will report into Vito Piazza, Sid Lee’s group president.
The agency network also operates a satellite office in New York City. It is headquartered in Canada’s Montreal and has set up additional shops in Toronto and Paris during its 25-year history.