Global marketing communications group DDB announced last Friday that Andrew Little, Chief Executive Officer of DDB Australia, has been promoted to President and Regional Chief Executive Officer for Australia and New Zealand. The move puts him on DDB Worldwide's global leadership team.

Little has been with DDB since 2000, moving from Managing Director for Melbourne to National Managing Director and then Australia CEO, a position he has held since 2014. In the new role, he succeeds Marty O'Halloran, who was appointed as DDB's Global CEO in July 2020.

Little said of his appointment: “My latest chapter here means I can continue working closely with the best people and clients across the region. I’m honoured that my new role will see me lead both businesses, which are forces within their local markets, within the DDB network, and on the global creative stage.”

DDB also announced the appointment of Priya Patel (right) as Chief Executive Officer of DDB New Zealand. Patel, who was previously DDB's Managing Director for Sydney, is the first woman CEO for the group's New Zealand operations. Prior to joining DDB, she had extensive agency experience in the UK.

New global CEO O’Halloran said he is looking forward to working with the newly promoted leaders. “Andrew is a legend who has driven the Australian agency group to a high level of growth and creative achievement—I couldn’t think of anyone better suited to steer the region into the future. His 21 years with DDB speaks volumes about his loyalty and commitment and the investment we make in outstanding talent,” he said. “Priya is a superstar from within the DDB Worldwide network. Andrew and I identified her unique skills early on and am now delighted to be able to introduce her to New Zealand.”