Simon Francis

Responsible for the people, product and profit of the largest of the three Aegis regions: c.£670million revenues, 35 markets, 100+ operating units.
Part of team that delivered the industry’s highest growth (+20.6%), highest margin (PBIT 17.7%), highest percentage of digital revenues (35%), and highest new business win rate.

I ran the 35 offices of Saatchi & Saatchi of some £165m during the economic crisis.

• Held revenues, improved margin to 15%, eradicated loss making companies, reduced headcount by 11% and doubled diversified revenues to 39%
• Improved creative ranking from 16 to 4, and became the first (and still only) agency to be shortlisted or win in every award category at the Cannes Lions advertising festival. Noticeable work included that for T-Mobile and Guinness.
• Consolidated the Toyota Europe account in 14 markets, in all disciplines to deliver fees of $18m.
• Oversaw the change of nine CEO’s, four CD’s and put in place new reporting and approval systems
• Changed affiliate agreements, and acquired a business in South Africa to open up growth in Africa

Part of the team that won agency of the year for four straight years, and most awarded agency in Cannes for five straight years. Won and ran Sony consolidated account, Vodafone Global, Sara Lee, Bridgestone, Kia Motors. Invented and implemented new strategic planning process, and new branded content (Checkmate) and entertainment marketing business – Fuse

Part of the team that won agency of the year and the Nike, Heineken, Hutchinson 3G, Britvic-Pepsi, and Boots accounts. Implemented a new way proposition and a new way of working, and won numerous Campaign and Media Week awards for Nike work (noticeably Run London and World Cup Campaigns). Oversaw the IBM account. Created Shine:m a joint venture with Shine (Elisabeth Murdoch and Waheed Ali’s company) to serve the branded content needs of WPP’s clients

Started in media before moving into account management, running the Kellogg’s account. Created the digital, event and CRM businesses to service Kellogg’s and McDonalds. Youngest ever promotion to board at 29.