M&C Saatchi LA is thrilled to announce that Maria Smith has been named Executive Creative Director. Smith has been a Creative Director, ACD, and Copywriter for 12 years, nearly ten of which have been spent with M&C Saatchi LA. At the agency she has demonstrated her expertise in leading creative teams and giving brands a unique creative voice – honest, compelling, and relevant.

“Maria embodies the M&C Saatchi spirit, is an indispensable part of our team, and loved by our clients,” comments M&C Saatchi LA CEO & Partner Huw Griffith.

“She has been instrumental in getting us where we are today, and is the perfect person to develop and expand the company’s vision and reach,” adds Chief Strategy Officer Kate Bristow.

As ECD, Smith will lead M&C Saatchi LA’s creative team and initiatives. She will also work closely with founders Huw Griffith and Kate Bristow to direct the agency’s creative voice and output.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time to be stepping into this role,” notes Smith. “We’re living through a really interesting moment right now. We’re in the middle of an election cycle unlike any other. The world is changing. And advertising is changing. A lot of people see a future that’s full of challenges, but I also see it as full of opportunity. I’m looking forward to being at the forefront of that charge as ECD, and working alongside a passionate and talented team that’s committed to taking M&C Saatchi to the next level.”

Smith brings experience and expertise in a range of disciplines to the position. She started her creative career as a copywriter at TBWA\Tequila, with a focus on digital advertising. She then became part of an integrated team at TBWA\Chiat\Day, where she worked on Nissan, Infiniti, Sony and Energizer. While at M&C Saatchi, she has contributed to award-winning campaigns for the San Diego Zoo and Epson.