After five years Howatson+Company Chief Creative Officer Gavin Chimes set to depart

Howatson+Company chief creative officer and founding team member Gavin Chimes is set to depart the agency after more than five years, taking a break from the industry before announcing his next move.

Chimes joined Howatson+Company at its inception in 2021 and has played a key role in building the agency and its creative reputation. Chimes has been central to shaping the agency’s creative philosophy and output, championing its No House Style approach. This philosophy produced some of the agency’s most recognised work, including Matilda Bay ‘Rejected Ales’, 10PM ‘Bedverts’, Maurice Blackburn ‘Exhibit A-i, Modibodi ‘I’m Dying Inside’, Allianz’ ‘Care You Can Count On’, Selleys’ ‘If You Can Take It, It’s Yours’, Triple J ‘Rejenerated’ and Mastercard ‘TOUCH’.

Says Chimes, “It’s been a massive five and a half years and I’m incredibly proud of everything we’ve built together. Chris and I have been talking about this for a while and there’s never a perfect time to leave somewhere you care so much about. But given where the agency is creatively and commercially, now feels like the right moment for me.

“I’m genuinely excited about where creativity is heading. The industry is changing quickly, opening up completely new ways to work with clients, make things and solve problems. As more content becomes automated, unexpected ideas matter more than ever – ideas with soul, craft and audacity that knock people out of autopilot.

“That’s the new playground I’ll explore next. First, though, I’m going to take a little time out and spend it with my family. A huge thank you to everyone at Howatson+Company, past and present. It’s been an absolute privilege.”

Howatson+Company Founder and CEO Chris Howatson said Chimes had been instrumental in the agency’s development from its inception. Says Howatson: “Gav has been here from the beginning and his impact on Howatson+Company cannot be overstated. He has been central to our creative standard, built an extraordinary team and has been relentless in pursuing the best possible outcome for our clients.

“No brief was ever too small and no challenge too difficult. That attitude has shaped our culture, our work and the agency we are today. The creative success speaks for itself, but what I’m most proud of is what we built together. Gav leaves with my enormous respect and gratitude, and as a great friend. I’m excited to see what he does next, after a very well-earned break.”

Chimes’ creative leadership helped establish Howatson+Company as one of Australia’s most successful independents, winning 39 Agency of the Year titles including Campaign Brief Agency of the Year in 2024, Australia’s #1 independent agency at D&AD, Cannes (Good), Spikes and ANDYs. The agency also won over 150 awards, including multiple Grand Prix, Golds and Yellow Pencils. In 2023, Howatson+Company was one of just eight agencies globally to be named a Contagious Pioneer.

In the last two years, Chimes has led the agency’s creative product through a period of significant growth and new business success, including major wins for Commonwealth Bank, Myer, Vodafone, DuluxGroup, SharkNinja and the Australian Museum.

Prior to Howatson+Company, Chimes held roles at CHE Proximity, Clemenger BBDO Melbourne, Marcel and Droga5, working on internationally recognised campaigns including Tiger Beer Air-Ink, The Lion’s Share, NRMA First Saturday, Sloways and Samsung Microcodes.

Outside advertising, Chimes is the co-creator of luxury dog care brand DOG by Dr Lisa and author of the children’s book Skat the Mutt, published by Scholastic.

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