Ogilvy PR has bolstered its consumer PR and influence practice with the appointment of Sophie Paterson as the newly created Head of Gaming and Entertainment. Paterson boasts an impressive 15-year track record working with leading entertainment brands like Sony Music and Spotify.Leveraging her expertise in communications, digital strategy, and brand development, Paterson will spearhead Ogilvy PR's efforts in the burgeoning gaming and entertainment sector. Her focus will encompass streaming services, music, film and television, publishing, arts, events, and festivals, aligning with the agency's strategy to capitalize on this high-growth market and the increasing demand for innovative fan engagement tactics.Dan Young, Ogilvy PR's Managing Director for Consumer PR and Influence, said: Given the increasing fragmentation of the entertainment industry, it has never been more important for brands to execute effective earned first strategies that connect publicity, social, influence and experiential to drive awareness and engagement. There’s a need for content platforms to drive local cultural salience and engage with the creative community and policy makers alike. Sophie’s proven experience in audience development will enable us to grow our client base in a sector where we already have a strong track record of success. We’re excited to have her on board.”Throughout her career, Paterson has been a vocal advocate for various social causes, including racial justice, LGBTQIA+ rights, and gender equality. Her commitment extends to mentorship programs like AIR Women in Music and volunteer initiatives like Our Soundtrack, Our Stories, and Our Ads, all focused on supporting the music industry during the pandemic.Paterson actively participated in the working group that delivered the landmark National Music Industry Review in 2021/22, a crucial initiative addressing systemic sexual harassment and gender inequality within the Australian music scene.Paterson Excited to Lead Ogilvy PR's gaming and entertainment charge: “I am incredibly honoured and excited to join Ogilvy PR as the head of gaming and entertainment. The gaming and entertainment industries are at the forefront of cultural innovation and influence in an environment where there has never been more competition for eyes, ears, and attention. I look forward to leading our talented team in creating impactful, cutting-edge, culturally relevant campaigns that resonate with audiences across the ANZ and Asia regions, ensuring our clients’ brands thrive in this dynamic landscape.”

Ryan Woor, co-founder and chief operating officer of M&C Saatchi Talk, is departing from the agency after an 18-year tenure.In a LinkedIn post, Woor announced his resignation from both the agency and his role as president of SERMO, M&C Saatchi Talk’s global network of independent communications agencies, which he co-founded.Reflecting on his time at the agency, Woor stated, “It’s been quite a journey, filled with unforgettable experiences, immense opportunities to grow, the privilege to work with some of the most talented individuals in the industry, and most of all, a lot of fun.”Woor joined the agency in 2008 when it was known as Talk.Global. He has led the business since CEO Jane Boardman’s departure earlier this year, following her decision to leave agency life after more than two decades. Woor and Boardman were instrumental in the 2020 merger of M&C Saatchi PR and Talk.Global, forming M&C Saatchi Talk.Expressing pride in his collaboration with Boardman, Woor said, “I am incredibly proud of the agency we built together and everything we achieved. But it now feels like we have reached the end of an era, and the time is right for the agency to move into the next chapter under new leadership.”Woor, who has held business and finance roles at Ogilvy, co-founded M&C Saatchi Proud, the group’s LGBTQIA+ network. He has also worked with global beauty brands, including Coty, and is a member of the executive board of the British Beauty Council.In related news, M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment, another PR agency within the M&C Saatchi group, recently saw the resignation of its long-time leadership team. Global CEO Steve Martin and UK CEO Jamie Wynne-Morgan, both of whom served over 20 years, have announced their departures, hinting at a “new venture coming soon.”These leadership changes coincide with M&C Saatchi restructuring its UK operations and repositioning M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment as its new "passion marketing" agency, with expectations that M&C Saatchi Talk will also integrate into this new division.