R/GA Sydney ECD Hamish Stewart departs the agency; TBWA’s Craig Brooks to fill ECD role

March 15 2018, 5:59 pm | BY Ricki Green | 40 Comments

Screen Shot 2018-03-15 at 2.57.06 pm.jpgScreen Shot 2018-03-15 at 2.57.17 pm.jpgR/GA Sydney has today announced that executive creative director, Hamish Stewart (left), is leaving the agency. Former TBWA\Sydney deputy ECD Craig Brooks (right) will fill the ECD role left by Stewart.

 

Says Rebecca Bezzina, VP managing director: “For three and a half years, Hamish’s creative leadership has been an anchor for R/GA Sydney and helped us evolve into a globally awarded agency. He’s been instrumental in our success and the pride we feel in our work. His integrity, warmth and craftsmanship will be very missed.”

Says Stewart: “It’s been fantastic to have been part of the growth of R/GA Sydney, now an agency 90 people strong, with a thriving client roster and a body of work I’m extremely proud of. I’ve always been interested in the intersection of technology, data and storytelling. But after three-and-a-half years, it’s time to pursue those interests elsewhere. I look forward to sharing my plans soon.”

 

Following an extensive search for Stewart’s replacement, Brooks is to take the role of ECD from April 9, working alongside co-ECD, Rob Chalmers.

 

At TBWA\Sydney Brooks clocked up a decade delivering celebrated integrated, media-neutral thinking for brands including Apple, Foxtel, Tourism New Zealand, David Jones, NRMA & M.J. Bale. Along the way he rose from art director to deputy ECD, collected numerous Cannes Lions, Spikes, One Show, D&AD and AWARD awards, and helped steer TBWA\ to 18 Agency Of The Year titles.

 

Says Bob Mackintosh, VP ECD, R/GA: “Craig is the epitome of what modern creative leadership should be – holistic in his outlook, unconventional in approach and, above all, a champion of great work. He’s a great talent and we’re excited to have him at the helm.”

 

Says Brooks: “R/GA is the most forward-thinking, connected network in the world, and Bob and Becs have ignited an incredibly positive momentum in Sydney which makes this unquestionably the right place to be at absolutely the right time. I’m itching to get started.”