Mandie van der Merwe is the joint Chief Creative Officer at Saatchi & Saatchi Australia – an agency with a storied history and a name that even her mum knows. Here she leads a creative team, producing effective, highly creative work on some of the most recognisable brands in the world, including Toyota, Lexus, Heineken and Vodafone. And if you know what a Tim Tam is… she comes up with ideas for them too. If you don’t know, you’re missing out.

Over the last 20 years, Mandie has plied her trade on 3 continents where she has committed herself to the belief that great ideas can solve business and social problems if they are executed with care. It is this philosophy that has led to her work being recognised over 300 times at the most prestigious local and international award shows.

Mandie also serves as the Chair of AWARD (The Australasian Writers and Art Directors). She is the former National Head of AWARD School - a role which reinforced her passion to develop and nurture young, creative talent.