DDB Sydney has announced the appointment of Tara Ford (right) as executive creative director.
Ford
joins DDB Sydney in this newly created role off the back of amazing
growth for the agency, including consolidating McDonald's and winning
the Virgin Australia account.
Over the past four years Ford has
won a total of 16 Cannes Lions, including a Grand Prix and 11 shortlists
across five different campaigns.
Ben Welsh (pictured above left), DDB chief creative officer, said he's thrilled to be working
with Ford, who joins from TBWA Melbourne: "I've always wanted to hire
Tara and I'm really looking forward to her adding firepower to our
already very talented team."
Her
award winning work includes the GAYTM campaign for ANZ Bank, which was
named the 'Best Direct campaign in the World for 2014' by the Big Won
and #1 'Best of Prin/Outdoor/Design for 2014' by Creativity Online.
Overall, she has won more than 200 awards over her career, both for
creativity and effectiveness.
Says Welsh: "Tara is a fantastic
fit for DDB's culture. Our focus is on creating a talented and diverse
culture, because we know that's what leads to brilliant creative."
Beyond
the work, Ford is a mentor to young creative talent through Cannes 'See
it Be it' and Young Lions program, Miami AdSchool and AWARD School. She
was Australia's representative at this year's Cannes Lions on the Promo
and Activation jury, and has judged and chaired various award shows
including New York Festivals, AWARD Award (Aus), Adfest (Asia), AADC
(Aus), Creative Circle (UK) and the Roses Awards (UK).
Says Ford: "It has been a wonderful five and a half years at TBWA but I'm ready for a new challenge.
"I
feel incredibly excited and energised to be joining DDB Sydney. It's a
phenomenal agency with both amazing clients and talented people, I can't
wait to get stuck in."
Ford will work alongside Welsh across clients.