Wavemaker recruits OMD chief as Rightmove moves in

Wavemaker UK is bolstering its content and brand experience offering with the appointment of a new managing director to lead the development of the agency’s content and creative capabilities, including content partnerships, innovation, sports and gaming.

Sam Bird joins Wavemaker from his role as OMD managing partner, head of creative services. He has been at the agency for over a decade, and has held a number of senior positions, working on blue-chip brands including Levi’s, Burberry, Google and Pepsico.

He played a key role in driving creative media across the agency and helped to secure a number of global account wins for the agency and network.

As well as his agency background, Bird brings experience from the travel and publishing sectors, with spells at Lowcost Travel Group and Stylist Group. In the latter, he led and managed large, multifaceted departments, including strategists, project managers, producers, creatives and designers, while growing creative solutions’ revenue for the Stylist brand.

As MD of content and brand experience, Bird will report to chief investment officer Ian Stevens, who said: “Sam combines his passion for unearthing emerging trends for clients in his creative work with exceptional care for people, whether that be the teams he looks after or his clients.

“These traits leave us with no doubt that he can successfully connect the dots between our existing capabilities while bringing an energy to new and emerging environments.”

Bird added:”During the interview process, my role was referred to as one of the most exciting in the agency, and I’m looking forward to making it exactly that. My focus will be building upon the agency’s success by nurturing a culture of curiosity and collaboration to deliver unrivalled, award-winning work. I can’t wait to get to know the people in the agency, our clients and our partners so we can unlock and deliver that work together.”

The appointment coincides with last week’s Rightmove account win, which sees Wavemaker UK hired a the online estate agent’s new media planning and buying agency following a competitive pitch, handled by The Aperto Partnership.

Briefed to help drive Rightmove’s growth plans as it looks to expand into new areas, such as property valuations and mortgages, Wavemaker takes over from Electric Glue, which has held the business for the past decade.

Rightmove CMO Matt Bushby said: “We were looking for a partner to help drive the next phase of our growth plans, as we continue to grow our core business and expand into new areas.

“Wavemaker showed a strong understanding of our current and future business ambition and how great communications can help us to give people the belief they can make their move.”