Ogilvy Auckland head of art Nic Hall set to join Hankinson at .99 as deputy CD and head of art

Nic Hall has been snared from Ogilvy Auckland to the role of deputy creative director and head of art at .99, Auckland – effective April.

Hall will join recently appointed .99 creative director, Paul Hankinson, as reported by CB last week.

Ogilvy ECD Damon O’Leary was philosophical about Hall’s decision: “I am obviously disappointed but can see his move to .99 is a great opportunity – and one which will suit Nic’s huge talent. In my view – Nic is one of NZ’s best art directors.”

Hall was head of art at Meares Taine before the merger. Says Hall: “I was fortunate to have eight years working at Meares Taine. The move (with Meares Taine) to Ogilvy, gave me different opportunities and new challenges.  

“The transition seemed seamless, so I now feel as though I am moving on not simply after five years at Ogilvy, but after 13 years collectively. Being at an agency of Ogilvy’s size has allowed me to take on a greater mentoring role, which was another aspect of the last five years that has been personally rewarding. I wish the agency and clients all the best.”

ECD and MD of .99 Craig Whitehead says the recent appointments are part of the agency’s intention to significantly bolster its creative offering: “I’ve had my eye on Nic and his work for a long time and when Paul and I sat down to talk to him about the Head of Art and Deputy CD opportunity we both agreed that we had to have him as part of the team.

“.99 has been an incredibly exciting place to work in our first seven years, with unprecedented growth. Now with both Paul and Nic’s appointments the excitement is set to continue as we really focus on the quality of the work for our clients,” says Whitehead.