Global media agency Wavemaker has appointed Dani Saadu to the newly created position of head of people and culture.
Reporting to chief operating officer Katie Lee, Saadu will be responsible for building a best-in-class talent proposition for Wavemaker UK, working alongside Wavemaker Global and Group M UK. He will be working with the leadership teams, supporting them to create an inclusive culture that strengthens Wavemaker’s commitment to inclusivity.
Saadu will also extend the people and culture team to include a talent development partner and early talent development manager, as well as working with clients to understand their talent priorities and partnering with teams in pitches to discuss talent.
With more than 15 years of experience as a people and culture, talent management, and organisational development professional, he has expertise in developing practical and sustainable programmes that align with business goals and deliver measurable returns on investment. Saadu previously held several director-level people roles in the retail, recruitment, pharmaceuticals and travel sectors.
Saadu said: “I was attracted to Wavemaker because of its obvious ambition and commitment to improving the employee experience. A testament to this commitment is how holistic and integrated this position is with the ability to support every aspect of the agency, whether Wavemaker team or client. I’m looking forward to working with the team to evolve and enrich our working culture. We have an exciting journey ahead.”
Katie Lee, chief operating officer at Wavemaker, added: “We are nothing without our people, so developing and retaining our talent has been a core focus for the leadership team. We have been working hard to build a strategy from entry level to our most senior talent.
“Dani’s appointment is pivotal in how we remain progressive in our diversity approach, to learning and development and to building an agency culture where everyone can thrive and belong. It is Dani’s combination of talent, infectious energy and enthusiasm that leaves me in no doubt that he will push us and the agency to be the best we can be.”