Clemenger BBDO’s creative department is bursting at the seams with new talent, as the agency crams even more world-class creatives into its interim office space in Melbourne’s Docklands. The agency, known for its innovative approach and remarkable campaigns, has recently experienced significant growth, leading to six exciting hires.
The latest additions to the Clemenger BBDO team include internationally recognized Creative Directors Heidi Kesselman and Anthony Cassidy, along with Creative Resource Director Lizzie Slattery. Joining them are Senior Creative Jake Blood, Copywriter Talia Stone, and Art Director Zaneta Vincent, who represent the best of Australia’s rising creative talent.
Feeling the Growing Pains
While the influx of talent is a cause for celebration, the cramped Docklands office is proving to be a challenge. As one team member humorously remarked, the temporary space “feels like a call center,” with others adding that the proximity has made for some uncomfortable moments. One creative even noted that “blood, sweat, and tears is gross when you’re sitting this close.”
However, the team remains optimistic, eagerly awaiting the opening of their new office in early 2024.
“A Problem Shared is a Problem Halved”
Clemenger BBDO’s Chief Creative Officer, Adrián Flores, addressed the issue of their temporary office, stating, “A problem shared is a problem halved. So when I landed a few months back to discover that our iconic St Kilda Road digs were now a pile of rubble and I would be spending my lunchtimes surrounded by Patagucci amongst Docklands’ most middling food courts, I realized the only recourse left was to make others feel my pain. I look forward to spending six more performance reviews discussing the new office’s early new year opening dates with this delightfully talented group.”
International Talent Joining the Fold
Heidi Kesselman, relocating from Singapore, brings a wealth of experience, having worked as a Global Creative Director for Porsche with BBDO Germany, and led campaigns for brands like Mercedes-Benz, PepsiCo, and MARS. Commenting on her move to Clemenger BBDO, Kesselman remarked, “I’ve always considered Clems to be a bastion of unbridled creativity, and the shop that put Australia on the creative map globally. Moving over from the densely populated island of Singapore, I was initially concerned about the wide-open spaces and fresh air Australia would have to offer. Luckily Adrián has reassured me that the middle of the Docklands is very much a refuge from any such luxury.”
Anthony Cassidy, who has relocated from the UK, boasts an impressive portfolio, having held senior creative positions with Marks and Spencer, Arcadia Group, and Portas. His expertise will be invaluable in shaping Clemenger’s future campaigns.
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Local Talent with Global Potential
Meanwhile, Clemenger BBDO has also welcomed local talent, including Senior Creative Jake Blood, a rising star in Australia’s creative industry, and Talia Stone, an accomplished copywriter with a knack for humor. Zaneta Vincent, a multidisciplinary designer, rounds out the team, bringing her expertise in visual merchandising and retail branding.
“Dynamic Thinkers in One Place”
Lizzie Slattery, Clemenger BBDO’s new Creative Resource Director, shared her excitement about the growing team, saying, “I love being surrounded by such dynamic thinkers. I’m not such a big fan of constantly having to corral them. The building was a big draw card in me coming to work here – it’s a resourcing dream. The grey surrounds and constant traffic noise acts as a natural fence, barricading in the creatives and making it easier for me to keep them focused on our clients’ needs.”
Looking Ahead to the New Year
The expansion of Clemenger’s creative department follows a busy period of new business wins, promotions of existing staff, and senior strategy appointments. The agency is set to move into its new Pink House office on Little Collins Street early in the new year—a move the entire team is eagerly anticipating.
About Clemenger BBDO
Clemenger BBDO is a leading creative agency, part of the BBDO network, with a mission to rewrite the rules of creativity and innovation. With offices in Sydney and Melbourne, the agency harnesses creativity to inspire change and drive growth for brands and businesses. Clemenger BBDO is renowned for its campaigns that challenge norms and redefine industry standards across communications, media, technology, and culture.
