Wunderman Thompson has promoted its global client leader for Coca-Cola, Sasan (Sas) Saeidi to CEO of its flagship New York office. Saeidi is tasked with accelerating the office’s momentum. The New York CEO role was previously held by Audrey Melofchik, who was elevated to CEO of North America in December 2021.
“We’ve been on an unstoppable mission for Wunderman Thompson New York to become the beacon of inspiration within our network, for our clients and for the wider industry,” said Melofchik in a statement. “Sas is a culture, creativity and people magnet. He’s a recognized leader within the Wunderman Thompson global network and an embodiment of our brand. He cares deeply about our people, our clients and creating work that inspires growth.”
Saeidi joined the Wunderman Thompson network in 2017, leading the Gulf region—and went on to become the global client leader for Nestlé. Most recently, he was global client lead for Coca-Cola, following the WPP OpenX win. He will continue to oversee the Coca-Cola business from New York.
Saeidi joined Wunderman Thompson from McCann FP7, where he was group managing director. Before that, he held roles in strategy and account management at BBDO, Saatchi & Saatchi-Canada and FCB.
New York, Wunderman Thompson’s largest market, is experiencing a growth surge, following the buzz of its Super Bowl spot for Hellmann’s featuring Pete Davidson. Throughout the year, Wunderman Thompson New York landed eight new business wins, boosting its consumer and B2B business by 11% and organically expanding its pharma business, including Pfizer and Jansen portfolios.
“There is nothing more important in our business today than taking care of our people and ensuring they belong to a winning culture. Motivated people will create great ideas and experiences every day, that will in turn create growth for our clients,” said Saeidi in a statement. “I hope to be a force for good in this process, aim for the moon and help Wunderman Thompson New York become the best agency in the world.”
Beyond work, Saeidi is studying for his Master’s degree in artificial intelligence and machine learning in business, from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford—and is currently the IAA global senior vice president, taking over as worldwide chairman and president in November 2022.