Publicis Groupe media agency Starcom Australia has named Scott McCaffrey as Chief Client and Growth Officer, at the same time promoting Jacqui Purcell to a national role as she returns from maternity leave.

McCaffrey joins the agency with more than two decades of experience in client service and growth strategies, jumping across from Japanese holding company, dentsu, where he spent that last 15 years. He spent over 13 years in client service at dentsu media agency Carat, before being promoted to the groups National Head of Growth in mid 2023.

In his new role McCaffrey will lead the agency’s client-centric initiatives, with a focus on developing and executing strategies for existing clients and driving effective partnerships. He will also be responsible for identifying and presenting solutions that align with prospective clients’ business objectives, and leading the agency’s senior client leadership team.

"Scott joins Starcom Australia with over 20 years’ experience in client service excellence and driving growth strategies in media communications. His strategic vision perfectly aligns with our agency values, and his extensive background in brand and media strategy will be instrumental to our team. I have every confidence that Scott's leadership will inspire us to reach new heights and unlock exciting opportunities for Starcom Australia," said Starcom Australia CEO, Nick Keenan.

McCaffrey said: "I am delighted to join a team that truly believes in the power of our new strategic positioning of ‘Move People, Move Business’. I'm excited to evolve our client relationships, infusing them with empathy, innovation and a shared commitment to transformative growth."

Meanwhile, Purcell has been elevated into the role of National Head of Planning at Starcom Australia. Following her return from maternity leave, Purcell will lead the agency’s planning function across all media channels, driving strategies that maximise clients’ media investments.

"Jacqui brings a wealth of experience to the table, having led planning capabilities in craft leadership roles prior to joining us at Starcom Australia. She will collaborate closely with our client teams to enhance our media planning capability and ensure we're delivering comprehensive media plans aligned with our clients' objectives and budgets. We’re so excited for Jacqui's return and can’t wait to see her invaluable contributions to our team nationally," Keenan said.

Purcell rejoined Starcom Australia in 2021 as Client Services Director. "I'm extremely excited to return to Starcom Australia and continue to build on the momentum they have created in the data led planning and product space," said Purcell.