M+C Saatchi nabs Jack Playfair to lead partnerships

M+C Saatchi has appointed Jack Playfair to a newly created Head of Partnerships role.

Playfair joins from Bastion, where he spent three years leading integrated partnerships and brand collaborations for clients including Gatorade, TAB, Kia, SIXT, Crown and V Energy.

Playfair brings experience across major sporting platforms, including the AFL, NRL, UFC, cricket and Formula 1, with previous roles at Supercars, TLA Worldwide and Rugby Australia.

In his new role, he will lead the development and execution of strategic partnerships across M+C Saatchi’s Sport & Entertainment division, focusing on securing high-impact collaborations, rights holders and talent opportunities.

Dani Bassil

CEO ANZ comments

Dani Bassil, Chief Executive Officer at M+C Saatchi ANZ, said the appointment reflects a shift toward more commercially driven partnerships.

“Jack has the experience and ability to transform partnerships into genuine growth engines for clients. He’ll be instrumental in strengthening our Sport & Entertainment offering, but also redefining what partnership excellence looks like,” Bassil said.

“He brings a rare combination of commercial acumen and instinct, exactly what’s needed as we shift from traditional sponsorship models to participation-led partnerships that create real impact.”

Playfair will work closely with M+C Saatchi’s PR, Social, Influencer and Content Studio teams, connecting brands to partnerships that deliver measurable outcomes across the full lifecycle, from strategy and negotiation through to activation and amplification.

Playfair comments

“I’m thrilled to be joining M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment at such an exciting time,” Playfair said.

“I specialise in identifying and structuring partnerships that deliver measurable commercial outcomes, moving brands beyond visibility to create genuine, high-value connections with the audiences that matter.”

The appointment reinforces M+C Saatchi’s focus on helping brands move from passive presence to active participation in culture.

Playfair will work with clients across the retail, finance, energy, and lifestyle sectors, while also unlocking new partnership-led growth opportunities for the agency.

Main image: Jack Playfair

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