Chris Ellis departs CD role at Special for ECD role at Melbourne independent agency Fenton Stephens

Melbourne independent agency Fenton Stephens has announced the appointment of Chris Ellis (above right) to the role of executive creative director.

Ellis joins the agency following a three year stint at Special where he was creative director. Prior to joining Special, Ellis worked at The Monkeys (now Droga5) and before that spent eight years at Cummins & Partners Melbourne.

Ellis has created original, memorable and influential work for brands including Jeep, Specsavers, Virgin, Bonds, Mountain Goat, Woodstock and Movember, featured in The Guardian, Adweek and Contagious with recognition at D&AD, Cannes, One Show, Clios and Spikes. He was State Head of AWARD School for two years and has served on international award juries including New York Festivals and AdStars.

Says Alex Fenton (left), founding creative partner, Fenton Stephens: “It was clear to me and the partners from the outset that Chris would be a great fit, and we have already gained traction with several significant projects. Chris embodies our philosophy of intelligence and imagination. Along with his energy and enthusiasm, it makes for an exciting new chapter for Fenton Stephens.”

Says Ellis: “During my career, I’ve been privileged to work with some of the greatest creative agency leaders Australia has ever produced: Scott Whybin, Ant Keogh, Tara Ford, Julian Schreiber, Tom Martin, Sean Cummins, Jim Ingram, Ben Couzens, Sarah McGregor and Ryan Fitzgerald. I’ve been somewhat of a bowerbird, a creative kleptomaniac stealing from the best. Alex is the next one I want to borrow from.

“With strong foundation clients, Alex and the partners have built a venerable business that has been thriving for nearly 20 years. The new multidisciplinary offering spearheaded by world-class performance marketing makes for a powerful proposition. I’m thrilled to formally announce my new home as we prepare to launch some very exciting work this side of Christmas, followed by a full agency rebrand in the new year.”

Says Simon Antonis, CEO, Fenton Stephens: “With our performance and research capabilities we’ve built a business that is now part creative agency, part performance agency and part business consultancy, bridging creative with tangible outcomes. Chris’ track record tells us he’s done that time and time again across a vast array of categories with highly effective and awarded work. We’re thrilled to have his wealth of big brand experience and hustle in the building to help deliver clients greater results. Complemented by his dedication to mentoring the next generation — and his nice guy attitude — Chris is well equipped to help take the agency from strength to strength over our next 20 years.”

The appointment of Ellis as ECD caps off a successful year for Fenton Stephens with major wins and further announcements imminent.