Creative agency Saatchi & Saatchi has today (26 January) announced the appointment of James Denton-Clark as its new CEO, replacing the outgoing Chris Kay, who is departing overseas.

Denton-Clark has amassed over a quarter-century’s worth of industry experience, having previously held senior leadership roles at both Accenture Song and Karmarama.

Reporting into Publicis Groupe CEO, Annette King, Denton-Clark will form part of a leadership team which includes chief creative officer, Franki Goodwin, chief strategy officer, Richard Huntington, chief production officer, Jess Ringshall and managing director, Sarah Jenkins.

“James is an accomplished creative leader with a great passion for what we do. Over the past decade, he has led transformative client partnerships, growing brands and nurturing talent. Saatchi & Saatchi is a special agency and James’ curiosity, and entrepreneurial leadership style will energise the agency,” King said.

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“Chris has made a big impact in his time at the agency. We have benefitted from his impressive energy and leadership. Saatchi & Saatchi is in great shape with strong client partnerships, an impressive leadership team and a plethora of top talent right across the agency, and Chris is with us until July. I’m confident the agency will go on to even bigger and better things with James at the helm.”

Having initially joined the agency in November 2021, Kay has made the decision to relocate abroad with his family and will leave his role in July.

Denton-Clark himself added: “As far back as I can remember I always wanted to be at Saatchi’s. They’re the original creative entrepreneurs. There’s magic there that endures, and is still there in spades today. I can’t wait to belong to that, partnering with Franki, Jess, SJ and Richard in the next chapter.”