Ryan O'Connell, Chief Strategy Officer at Ogilvy Sydney, is set to depart the agency after a tenure of 11 years. During his time at Ogilvy, O'Connell has worked across a broad range of the agency's clients and has been instrumental in the agency's effectiveness record, which includes multiple Agency of the Year awards at the APAC Effies and a Global Grand Effie in 2021. He has also been named Campaign Asia's Strategist of the Year for the past three years.

Michelle Holland, Ogilvy Sydney Managing Director, said of O'Connell's departure, "Ryan has been an incredibly valuable member of our team and a great example of Ogilvy’s approach to fostering great talent. His understanding of how best to solve business problems and apply great strategy to generate effective, creative and long-term results has been an inspiration to the Sydney strategy team and beyond. He leaves behind a strong legacy, and a strategy team well versed in his approach. He’ll be missed – but always a friend of the agency and part of the Ogilvy family."

In response to his departure, O'Connell said, "I love this place, and genuinely think it’s the best agency in the region. It’s a bittersweet moment for me, but I’m excited for my next adventure. Also, to be completely honest, I just couldn’t stand working with Michelle anymore. She’s too nice. And taller than me."

O'Connell's next move is rumoured to be heading up a new independent agency. In light of his departure, Ogilvy is currently evaluating its strategic resources and will make an announcement about the senior structure of the strategy team in due course.