Giles Watson Promoted to DDB Group Melbourne ECD

DDB Group Melbourne today announced that its award-winning deputy executive creative director, Giles Watson, has been promoted to executive creative director.

In his new role, Giles will lead DDB Group Melbourne's creative direction, continuing to bring his distinctive brand thinking and innovation to the agency's client stable and working closely with chief creative officer, Psembi Kinstan.

Giles joined DDB Group Melbourne in 2021 as a creative director. He quickly built out the creative leadership team, boosting the agency's creative thinking and craft. In April last year, he was promoted to deputy executive creative director, bringing his generous leadership style and ambition to help grow the agency's headcount to more than 100 and produce award-winning work for clients.

Working closely with the executive leadership team, Giles has enhanced DDB Group Melbourne's commitment to creating enduring ideas and distinctive brand worlds. He was the driving force behind many of the agency's highly awarded and effective campaigns like Movember's 'Mancestry' and “the Mo is Calling”, Porsche's 'Taycan Arcade', NGV's 'Creative Index', and most recently the global launch of the “University of Dyslexic Thinking”. His campaigns have been integral in DDB Group Melbourne being named The Work's #2 Agency of the Year in 2023 and 2024.

Prior to joining DDB Group Melbourne, Giles worked at Clemenger BBDO and Howatson+Co, delivering campaigns like Matilda Bay's 'Rejected Ales' and Snickers' 'Hunger Insurance', which are still amongst the most awarded work for their respective agencies.

Giles' promotion follows DDB Group Melbourne’s continued growth, both within its client stable, and its creative team. His appointment follows the promotion of Matt Pearce to chief strategy officer.

Psembi Kinstan, DDB Group Melbourne chief creative officer, said, “Giles is the best in the business. He is the epitome of the modern creative that champions every medium and understands the power of a big idea. No-one works harder to get to the most original and effective work – every part of our business is improved by his leadership. He’s superbly strategic, an incredible role model and a deeply trusted partner to our clients.”

Khia Croy, DDB group melbourne general manager, said, “From our first moments working together  - many moons ago! - I have always had a great amount of respect for Giles, both professionally and personally. He is, and always has been, the embodiment of DDB's 'talented and nice' philosophy - there is simply no greater partner for our clients, or leader for our team.”

Commenting on his new role, Giles said, “I was lucky enough to have joined a collection of incredibly ambitious minds here at DDB Melbourne - people who inspire me every day. I couldn’t be more excited (or intimidated) to now have this opportunity to join them in shaping our next chapter."

Giles' promotion is effective immediately.