DDB Group AUNZ reshapes leadership as Andrew Little exits after 25 years

DDB Group AUNZ has announced a major leadership restructure as longtime regional president Andrew Little steps down after 25 years with the agency.

New Zealand-based CEO Priya Patel has been appointed regional CEO for Australia and New Zealand, while chief creative officer Matty Burton steps into a newly created group role across the two markets. The changes take effect from April 1.

The move formalises the pair’s creative and commercial partnership, which has seen DDB Aotearoa earn more than 20 Agency of the Year titles and 14 Cannes Lions under their joint leadership. The duo will continue to be based in New Zealand but will now oversee DDB’s operations and client work across Sydney and Melbourne.

In a statement, Patel said the restructure aims to bring greater unity across the region’s operations.

“Each of our offices is unique and has its own strengths and talents. To date, we’ve worked relatively siloed, but there are exciting opportunities for us to come together and integrate more for the benefit of our clients.”

The leadership shake-up comes as Little departs following a legacy-defining tenure, having led DDB Melbourne, then DDB Group Australia, before becoming ANZ President in 2021. He is credited with some of the longest and most successful agency-client relationships in the region, including Volkswagen (27 years), Westpac (13 years), McDonald’s (56 years) and Coles.

“I have always thought that leading DDB is a privilege, not a job,” Little said. “I’ve made lifelong friends with clients and even competitors. But mostly I would like to thank my DDB family - those wonderful people who have supported me through the years.”

DDB Global CEO Alex Lubar thanked Little for his leadership and said the new appointments reflect the strength of the agency’s offering across both markets. “Priya and Matty are proven leaders with a track record of creative excellence. I have no doubt they’ll drive the next chapter of growth for DDB in the region,” he said.

Little will remain at the agency to support the transition until August 2025.