Ogilvy, a global advertising and communications network, has named Kirsty Muddle as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Australia and New Zealand from early 2026. Muddle will replace Sally Kissane, who resigned in July after a record three decades of service with the agency. This change in leadership heralds a new era for Ogilvy ANZ as the agency looks to further solidify its position in a fiercely competitive advertising and communications environment.
A Proven Industry Leader
Kirsty Muddle applies more than 25 years of marketing and advertising sector experience to her new position at Ogilvy. She comes to the agency from Dentsu, where she was CEO of Practices & Products, ANZ. In that role, Muddle managed a wide range of services across creative, public relations, customer experience, data & technology, and B2B marketing. Under her direction, a range of disparate functions were brought together to provide innovative, client-centred solutions.
Muddle’s professional experience also consists of an important stint as a founding partner at cummins&partners, with a central role in establishing the agency’s creative credibility. Before that, she worked at Mindshare for nine years, in both Australia and the United Kingdom, working on media planning and strategy. Her broad experience in various disciplines and markets stands her in good stead to guide an intricate, multi-disciplinary agency like Ogilvy.
Vision and Strategic Direction
In her new position, Muddle will manage all Ogilvy operations across Australia and New Zealand, including advertising, public relations, social and influencer marketing, customer engagement, consulting, and health communications. The appointment reflects the agency’s focus on delivering integrated campaigns that drive tangible outcomes for clients.
Ogilvy ANZ has recently seen significant successes since Kissane took over, including bringing on high-profile clients such as Tourism New Zealand and Specsavers, as well as being named Network of the Year at the 2025 APAC Effie Awards. Muddle’s leadership will look to capitalize on these successes through creative innovation, deepened client relationships, and increased agency presence throughout the region.
Industry Engagement and Recognition
In addition to her executive positions, Muddle has been instrumental in shaping the advertising sector. She is a member of the boards of the Australian Council of Advertising (ACA), the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA), and Ridgeway, an Indigenous social change agency. Her work has been rewarded with numerous awards, including twice being awarded Woman of the Year and Executive of the Year, a testament to her impact, experience, and dedication to excellence within the industry.
Muddle’s leadership is defined by a blend of strategic thinking, creative vision, and operational acumen. Her capacity to bring together multidisciplinary teams, stimulate innovation, and keep client needs at center stage will be essential as Ogilvy adapts to a changing advertising environment driven by digital revolution, changing consumer demands, and emerging integrated marketing solutions.
Looking Ahead
As Kirsty Muddle gears up to take the reins in early 2026, Ogilvy ANZ is ready to continue its growth and innovation. Her appointment is not only a leadership shift but also a strategic step to further consolidate Ogilvy’s role as a top creative network in the region. Stakeholders, clients, and staff expect Muddle’s experience, knowledge of the industry, and collaborative nature to spearhead the agency, allowing it to deliver outstanding campaigns and maintain its competitive advantage.
Sally Kissane’s three-decade legacy at Ogilvy leaves behind a firm base of creativity, determination, and strategic expansion. Under the leadership of Kirsty Muddle, Ogilvy ANZ appears to be poised to carry on this legacy, embracing innovation, growing its services, and continuing to be a reliable partner for clients in multiple sectors.
