Hatched opens Sydney office and expands leadership team

Australian-owned media agency Hatched has announced the opening of a Sydney office, with Mike Wilson joining the executive leadership team and Simon Porter taking on the role of head of retail.

Wilson is the founder and chairman of Naked and the former CEO and Chairman of Havas Media Group. In his role as Sydney chairman, he will recruit, support and foster the next generation of agency talent.

Wilson said: “I know what you’re thinking: here’s another one of the usual suspects on the agency leadership merry-go-round. But my intention for Hatched Sydney is to empower tomorrow’s agency CEOs by advising and supporting the incredible talent we have joining us. The Sydney leadership team will be the best in the business.

“There’s a real stagnation in agency models in Australia and it’s time for a disruptive player to shake up the Sydney market. I’m impressed with what Jack and the team have done with Hatched in Melbourne, creating what is deservedly recognised as one of the best agencies in the country. It was a no-brainer for me to come on board to help the business extend into new territory.”

The retail focus of the Sydney office will call on Porter’s knowledge and experience in the space. Porter sold retail and shopper marketing business BD Network
Australia to Havas in 2016.

The offering was subsequently rolled into the Havas retail creative agency H/Commerce. Prior to that, he launched iris Worldwide in the Australian market and led retail operations for The Marketing Store in London and Sydney.

Porter said: “A number of agencies are looking to tap into the emerging retail media market but Hatched Sydney will put this at the heart of the business. It’s what
attracted me to the role, as well as the opportunity to work with Mike, Jack and the new Hatched team.”

See more: Hatched introduces Celebration Leave policy allowing staff to ‘swap’ public holidays

Further appointments will be announced in the coming months.

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Top image: Mike Wilson and Simon Porter