Joy Australia snares former Ogilvy chief creative officer Steve Back for creative partner role

Former Ogilvy & Mather Singapore chief creative officer and Ogilvy Australia chief creative officer Steve Back – who departed the agency back in July last year – has joined Australian independent agency, Joy as creative partner.

Back joined Ogilvy Australia in the newly-created national role in February 2013 from Ogilvy & Mather Singapore. He joined Ogilvy Singapore in November 2010.

Back (left) replaces Christy Peacock, who will depart the agency at the end of February to take a break before considering several options in the pipeline.

Peacock (below) told CB that the parting is extremely amicable and wished Back – who he’s working with over the next few weeks – all the best in his new role.

Also joining Joy as strategy partner is Nicole Milward, the former chief strategy officer at ZenithOptimedia.

Says Joy chief Graeme Wills: “Nicole will join ‘our family’ in a few weeks. Nicole is acknowledged as a leader in brand and connection strategy.  She is a thought leader in connecting to ‘communities’, and has lead industry seminars on the new world  of connections. Nicole has participated in global seminars, headed up global pitches and introduced mentor/training programs.  We are thrilled that someone of Nicole’s pedigree and experience has agreed to join us.

“Steve Back is again an acknowledged leader in the industry.  He has creatively led some of the biggest agencies in our region achieving ‘Creative Agency of the Year’ status in each. Steve has won numerous international creative awards in both NZ and Australia, with major clients.  Steve is passionate about the role of creative in the new world, and will bring an energy and freshness to our creative product. Steve will announce some new creative hires in the next few weeks.

“Our Senior Team is now complete, who, together with Simon Ludowyke (who joined 12 months ago from BBH New York) will ensure that fresh, interesting thinking is a priority on your business.”