Clemenger BBDO, Melbourne named Campaign Brief Agency of the Year for fourth year running

2011 was an incredible year of growth for Clemenger BBDO Melbourne, both creatively and financially. The tight-knit team on St Kilda Road has shown that they can achieve the holy grail of advertising – creativity and effectiveness – again and again.

With a number of major high-profile client wins and creative appointments, the agency is showing no sign of easing off the accelerator.

For an unprecedented fourth year running, Clemenger BBDO Melbourne is Campaign Brief’s Agency of the Year.

The agency’s executive creative director Ant Keogh has led by example, honoured for the third time as the MADC Creative Leader of the Year.

Sitting inside ‘the room’ with its master table illuminated by a row of flame-coloured lights, beside creative stars such as Julian Schreiber, Tom Martin, Darren Pitt and Rohan Lancaster, and recently hired Jim Ingram and Ben Couzens, it’s been clear from the get-go that everybody (including Keogh) has been burning with one intention in mind: to push the agency to the next level.   

This restlessness is reflected in both business terms and industry accolades. A sign sits in the creative department, quoting journalist Edward R. Murrow: ‘Anyone who isn’t confused doesn’t really understand the situation’.

Keogh says this sums up the attitude of the agency when it comes to producing the often ground-breaking work they’ve been recognised for around the globe. Says Keogh: ”Quite often, we’ll come up with an idea and have absolutely no idea how to even begin to make it happen. We’ve learned over the last few years that that uncertainty usually means we’re on to a good thing,” he says. “That doubt also serves to keep us constantly on our toes.”

Clemenger BBDO Melbourne is the only agency in the history of CB’s Agency of the Year awards to win it four years in a row, with Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney previously managing to take out the title three times in a row – in 2003, 2004 and 2005.

The Monkeys was awarded Campaign Brief’s NSW Agency of the Year. Last year alone, The Monkeys helped launch a casino, reminded Australians why they’re proud  of the Sydney Opera House and won over 24 new brands from Diageo to Dermalogica. Along the way, making it okay  to buy cheap undies and to take up a habit for stashing cash.

Meanwhile, DDB New Zealand was named Campaign Brief NZ Agency of the Year for the third year running. 

To read all about it, look out for the print edition outsoon. To subscribe go to Campaign Brief Online or download the subscription form:

CB NAT SUB FORM 2010.pdf