Fackrell set to return home to New Zealand to take up executive creative director post at DDB

Internationally renowned kiwi expat Andy Fackrell has been appointed executive creative director of DDB Group New Zealand, holding the reins for Toby Talbot who will spend 2012 seconded to DDB Europe as Regional Creative Director on VW. Fackrell leaves celebrated agency 180 Amsterdam to take up a one year contract with DDB New Zealand. 

“Andy is a bit of a legend,” says Talbot. “His work at 180 for adidas has redefined TV advertising in the last decade. To get someone of his calibre is amazing and a testament to the pulling power of DDB New Zealand and our great clients. There really isn’t a more capable pair of hands to leave the agency with.”

A New Zealander who has spent much of his career abroad, Fackrell has worked with the world’s biggest brands, broken creative ground and collected countless awards along the way. During nine years at 180 Amsterdam, Fackrell produced global campaigns for adidas and kept a strong Kiwi connection through his work for the All Blacks. Prior to 180, Fackrell worked for Weiden + Kennedy Portland primarily on Nike where he created award winning campaigns across all of its sports categories including winning the Cannes Grand Prix for Nike ad ‘Tag’.

“Andy was our top choice,” says Marty O’Halloran, chairman, DDB Australia/New Zealand. “A Kiwi with unmatched global experience – that’s a superb combination and exactly the type of talent who will push the high benchmark already set by Toby.”

“Andy’s international expertise along with the local knowledge of recently appointed Creative Director Chris Schofield, plus MD Justin Mowday all add up to a  truly stellar team,” said Sandy Moore, Group CEO, DDB New Zealand.

“It will be a great feeling to come home,” said Fackrell. “I’m looking forward to getting stuck into doing work with the culture I grew up in. It’s a bit of a reconnect, a chance to be with my family, and to help with some great work at an agency that has certainly been cranking it out for a good while. DDB has a pretty awesome client roster with clients that appreciate big ideas. During my year I want to build on what Toby and the team have created, and to get the world talking about those ideas.”