DDB Sydney Creative Partner Jenny Mak joins trans-Tasman agency jnr. as ECD and Partner

Award-winning creative Jenny Mak has departed DDB Sydney after more than three years to join independent trans-Tasman agency jnr. as Executive Creative Director and Partner, forming a diverse leadership trio alongside founders John Marshall and Ryan O’Connell to guide the agency’s creative direction and next phase of growth.

The appointment comes less than 18 months after Marshall and O’Connell first launched the agency. Mak’s arrival follows a strong period of growth that has seen jnr. secure a string of high-profile client wins and campaign launches across Australia and New Zealand — with more to come.

With a career spanning more than two decades, Mak has built a reputation not just for breakthrough creative, but for forging deep client partnerships that deliver real impact. She has led some of Australia’s most high-profile clients and campaigns in recent years for Volkswagen and Westpac, and earlier in her career was behind acclaimed work for Coca-Cola Australia, Huggies, U by Kotex and Transport for NSW – campaigns awarded for both creativity and effectiveness.

Prior to joining DDB Sydney as Creative Partner in late 2021, Mak spent nearly a decade at Ogilvy Sydney, rising through the ranks from Senior Copywriter to Group Creative Director. She has also held roles at Innocean Worldwide and Grey, and has freelanced at several major agencies across Sydney and Melbourne including BWM, Havas Worldwide and The Campaign Palace to name a few.

Says John Marshall, Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Hāua, Ngāti Maniapoto, Managing Director & Founder of jnr.: “JMak’s arrival marks a pivotal moment for our agency. Ryan and I are thrilled to welcome a creative leader of her calibre and vision to the business. Her passion, insight, and proven track record will elevate our work and accelerate the next chapter of our growth. She brings the experience of a senior, with the energy and curiosity of a junior. Which is exactly what jnr. stands for.”

Says Ryan O’Connell, Chief Strategy Officer & Founder, jnr.: “I’m a bit annoyed I’m no longer the best basketballer in the agency, but I’ll get over it. JMak is one of the most talented, kind, and mature creative leaders out there, and we’re incredibly lucky to have her join us. The industry doesn’t have enough leaders like her, so this is a real win for jnr.”

Says Mak: “I’m thrilled to join jnr. as Executive Creative Director & Partner alongside John and Ryan, and the rest of the team. This agency’s fearless spirit, commitment to creativity, and collaborative culture perfectly align with my values. Together, we’ll push creative boundaries, deliver work that works, and foster a workplace where diverse voices and ideas thrive. I’m proud to play a foundational role in shaping an agency that’s as ambitious about culture and inclusivity as it is about business success.”

Mak will remain based in Sydney and officially commences with jnr. next month.

Pictured (L-R): John Marshall, Jenny Mak, Ryan O’Connell