Saatchi & Saatchi have announced the appointment of multi-award winning talent Dave Bowman as its creative director, reporting directly to executive creative director Steve Back.

Bowman left Droga5 New York to join Saatchi & Saatchi as group creative head in January 2008 and has been involved in the expansion of the agencys newly formed division Saatchi Substance. The wealth of international experience in brand entertainment content that he brought to this position has led to his promotion to creative director.

Bowmans creative credentials have been rewarded with multiple industry awards over the years including Australias first Titanium Lion at Cannes in 2005 for the Virgin Mobile 5 Cent campaign. Before joining Droga5, Back and Bowman worked together at Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand, a partnership that is now being revived in Australia.

Chief executive Simone Bartley said Bowmans return to Saatchi & Saatchi earlier this year had added to the agencys ability to build innovative campaigns that delivered for its clients.

Dave is a true Ideas person – that is, he is non-traditional in every way. His six months here have had a major impact on the agency and our clients business. This appointment is well deserved, said Bartley.

Bowmans first major piece of work for the agency is the latest fully integrated Tooheys New Supercold campaign For the Love of Beer which launched during State of Origin 2. This campaign allows consumers to decide how Tooheys are going to spend their ad budget.

Dave has been recognised as a top creative talent for many years but the experience he has gained working on major campaigns in New York is very evident,” said ECD Steve Back. “He brings a fresh new approach to our clients’ brands, mixed with his understanding of the Australian market.’

Bowman, who first made his reputation at The Glue Society, said his appointment as creative director would give him the opportunity to have input across a range of premium brands.

It has been great linking back up with Steve and in my new role as CD. I’m extremely excited about being able to have a bigger effect on the work across the board and at the same time helping our clients find new and interesting ways to connect with consumers, said Bowman.