The Monkeys Chief Strategy Officer Hugh Munro has exited the Accenture Song creative shop to start up a new agency with former BMF Chief Creative, Alex Derwin.

The new agency, Rick Barry, was co-founded by the pair last month, shortly after Derwin's exit from his role at BMF was first reported.

Replacing Munro as Chief Strategy Officer is Milla McPhee, who will expand her role as Accenture Song's Managing Director of Strategy for Growth Markets, to step into the marketing services firm's specialist creative shop. McPhee's career spans strategy roles at Adam&EveDDB London and Droga5 New York, as well as a stint as Head of Brand & Creative Strategy at Amazon in the UK.

In her new role, McPhee will lead strategy for what she describes as "Australia’s foremost creative business, inside the world’s most sophisticated technology powerhouse". She said: "Every day, we show brands how provocative thinking can transform their business, and it’s a joy to do so alongside the best in our business at The Monkeys/Song."

Meanwhile, the agency's current Business Strategy Director, Ben de Castella, has been promoted to Head of Planning. De Castella has a wealth of experience in strategic planning, having previously been Group Strategy Director at VCCP London, and Strategic Planning Director at Digitas Hong Kong. He has been instrumental in developing several recognised creative campaigns, including Canadian Club’s “Over Beer?” and Telstra’s “Footy Country”.

"When I joined The Monkeys, I knew it was home to some of Australia’s most iconic and effective campaigns. Over the past couple of years, I’ve found out what an incredible bunch it takes to make that happen – not least our tight-knit team of brilliant planners. I couldn’t be more excited about the new role and what we’re going to achieve together next," said de Castella.

Accenture Song ANZ President and Group CEO of The Monkeys, Mark Green, said: "We are pleased to see both Milla and Ben continue to thrive and take on wider responsibilities. Both have an impressive record driving growth for some of the world’s leading brands and are perfect partners to help us lead our strategy department. As part of this change we are also farewelling Hugh Munro who has been such a force within our strategy department for so long. He leaves with our heartfelt thanks and best wishes for his next adventure."