M&C Saatchi Abel announced the appointment of James Cloete as Executive Creative Director with a strategic handle on the Standard Bank account. He will form part of the M&C Saatchi Abel Johannesburg leadership team with Neo Mashigo – Group Chief Creative Officer, Johannesburg; managing partner Faheem Chaudhry and Makosha Maja-Rasethaba, Johannesburg Head of Strategy.
Cloete has worked across multiple brands including Coca-Cola, MTN, SABC, ABSA, Old Mutual, Cell C, MTN, Tiger Brands, Toyota and Nampak, among many others. Because of the scale of the business, the agency is strategically marrying talent with specific clients. Cloete adds firepower to the Johannesburg team, supporting Johannesburg-based Partner and Creative Director Adam Weber, who will be able to hone in creatively on specific clients.
Cloete said that M&C Saatchi Abel is experiencing very strong growth, which is the result of the agency investing in the top talent in the industry. ‘It is very empowering to know that you are surrounded by excellence with everything you do, and so I’m very excited about the next phase of my career at M&C Saatchi Abel.’
Mashigo said that Cloete, awarded both locally and internationally, is the perfect match for M&C Saatchi Abel. ‘Cloete has the experience and skill to work on large-scale clients such as Standard Bank. Having worked with him before, I have always loved his sharp mind, his work, his energy and his ability to perform under pressure. He’s a perfect fit. He is innovative and creative in how he approaches problems and comes up with solutions. We look forward to a very successful relationship resulting in relevant and inspiring work.’
Cloete has been awarded at Cannes, D&AD, One Show, Clios, The Loerie Awards, The Eagles and The Pendorings. He has also been invited to judge at various shows, both locally and abroad, including Cannes, The New York Festival and The Loerie Awards.
