Publicis Groupe ANZ has chosen Clare Pickens as the new CEO of Leo Burnett Australia, confirming the former executive at Wieden+Kennedy will assume her new role in April.

Pickens has worked across multiple markets and client categories, focusing on delivering innovative and effective work. This includes over 10 years at Wieden+Kennedy, leading an international team and managing global client relationships. Pickens has worked with brands including Uber, Nike, Mondelez, Instagram, Heineken, P&G, Netflix, Diageo, Levi’s and Booking.com. She was previously Global Managing Director of creative agency Red & Co. and most recently Managing Director of HERC Amsterdam.

CEO of Publicis Groupe ANZ, Michael Rebelo, highlighted Pickens' strong creative pedigree and proven track record as an agency business leader.

"Clare is a leader who has worked across multiple markets and client categories, with a progressive view on creativity and what it takes to deliver innovative and effective work," he said. "Clare's commercial acumen has been honed leading creative agencies focused on building business through creativity. We are excited to bring such a unique international leader to Australia to lead Leo Burnett."

Pickens said she was deeply excited by the opportunity to join the Leo Burnett team in Australia.

"Being part of such an established group with a legacy of effective and quality creative work is a great privilege. I’m looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and helping usher in a new phase of progressive partnership and business solutions with our wide client base," she said. "I’m joining a seasoned team with an ambitious vision and anticipate a wonderful year to come for Leo Burnett, Australia. I hope to bring some of the charm of the Dutch canals to the southern hemisphere, but certainly not the weather."