Chimney Group appoints former Innocean Europe’s Lewis Hunt to managing director role

International production and creation agency Chimney Group has appointed Lewis Hunt as the new managing director of its Australian office.

Melbourne-born Hunt will return to Australia after a five-year stint as creative director of Innocean Europe, the custom agency built to drive the international brand development of Hyundai and Kia.

Hunt said it was time to return home after developing and leading a strategy that ushered in a period of record sales growth and creative recognition for the Hyundai and Kia brands in the European market.

Says Hunt: “I’m excited to be joining the Chimney Australia team and repeating this success for Chimney’s valued clients in Australia.”

With a career that spans Australia, the Middle East and Europe, Hunt has guided global, national and regional brands. His experience has spanned diverse sectors including retail, fashion, travel and tourism, hospitality, automotive, and telecommunications where he has found success engaging consumers with results-driven big ideas.

Hunt’s work has been recognized by major international award shows including D&AD Global, Red Dot Design, CreativePool, Galaxy and ADC New York and he arrives at Chimney with a reputation for effective leadership of creative and production teams working in challenging businesses.

Global Chimney Group CEO, Michal Kalinowski, said Hunt’s appointment cements Chimney’s commitment to the Australian market.

Says Kalinowski: “Chimney’s drive to play in Australia’s diverse and vibrant commercial film culture made Lewis the obvious choice in a mature market.

“We are committed to producing and delivering engaging, high-quality content, and ensuring our clients are with us on that journey every step of the way.  Chimney believes it’s more crucial than ever to create meaningful content that engages audiences, drives behavioral change, and secures ROI.

“Our 20-year legacy of creating beautiful content and telling remarkable stories is something we’re proud of, and we look forward to continuing that legacy here in Australia with Lewis at the helm.”

Hunt’s broad international experience will make him well placed to steer Australian clients who seek global services by synergising Chimney’s Australian operations with its offices in Asia, Europe and the US.

Chimney’s global reach, combined with its local know-how, were key reasons in Hunt’s decision to take the role.

Says Hunt: “Australia is an incredibly diverse country and I’m stoked at the opportunity to ensure our work reflects that dynamism and creativity.

“For me, collaboration is key to building great ideas and integrated communication solutions. It’s all about challenging conventional thinking with exceptional creative; all underlined by clarity of vision and an impeccable attention to detail.

“I look forward to continuing the positive momentum, growth and innovation of the Australian operation with our dynamic team.”