Droga5 London Appoints Stephanie McArdle as Head of Design

Stephanie McArdle has been appointed head of design at Droga5 London where, in her new role, she will help drive the agency’s growing design offering – combining striking art direction and visual design with the storytelling expertise of advertising for all of Droga5’s clients.  

A graphic designer with a life-long passion for visual problem-solving, Stephanie has worked at Droga5 London since 2017 on high profile work including Setapp – Campaign Branding Wood Pencil award winner at the D&AD Awards in 2021, The Tide, Vestiaire Collective and Diet Coke.

In her new role, she will help drive the agency’s work with brave and distinctive art direction and also lead the growing number of standalone branding projects – building on past brand identity briefs for clients including Coal Drops Yard, The Tide, Karma Kitchen and Cupra.

Stephanie, formerly the agency’s design director, replaces Chris Chapman, who left Droga5 London earlier this month.

Stephanie said, “I’m inspired by the potential of design. The simplest visual idea can unlock a feeling that resonates with a global audience in seconds, or a brand system that can tirelessly flex in a million ways.

“With our culture being over-saturated in visuals, the element of surprise is essential in order to stand out. I aim to push the boundaries of what’s expected, challenging clients in order to make truly effective work.”

Shelley Smoler, CCO at Droga5 London, said, “Great design is in the art of visual problem solving and Steph is our proven leader & pioneer in design thinking. 

With clients increasingly valuing the importance of having their brand and campaign platforms created in the same agency – with a cohesive design system not compromised at any stage - Droga5 London is looking to harness the strength & depth of design and our talent. And we’re incredibly lucky to have a home grown leader like Steph to lead our design discipline.’