DDB Sydney lures Tara Ford from TBWA Melbourne for executive creative director role
CB Exclusive – DDB Sydney has announced the appointment of Tara Ford (right) as executive creative director.
Ford joins DDB Sydney in this newly created role off the back of amazing growth for the agency, including consolidating McDonald’s and winning the Virgin Australia account.
Over the past four years Ford has won a total of 16 Cannes Lions, including a Grand Prix and 11 shortlists across five different campaigns.
Ben Welsh (pictured above left), DDB chief creative officer, said he’s thrilled to be working with Ford, who joins from TBWA Melbourne: “I’ve always wanted to hire Tara and I’m really looking forward to her adding firepower to our already very talented team.”
Ford has worked in some of the world’s best agencies and networks, creating industry- leading work for brands including Nike, ANZ, PlayStation, Medibank and Nissan.
Her award winning work includes the GAYTM campaign for ANZ Bank, which was named the ‘Best Direct campaign in the World for 2014’ by the Big Won and #1 ‘Best of Prin/Outdoor/Design for 2014’ by Creativity Online. Overall, she has won more than 200 awards over her career, both for creativity and effectiveness.
Says Welsh: “Tara is a fantastic fit for DDB’s culture. Our focus is on creating a talented and diverse culture, because we know that’s what leads to brilliant creative.”
Beyond the work, Ford is a mentor to young creative talent through Cannes ‘See it Be it’ and Young Lions program, Miami AdSchool and AWARD School. She was Australia’s representative at this year’s Cannes Lions on the Promo and Activation jury, and has judged and chaired various award shows including New York Festivals, AWARD Award (Aus), Adfest (Asia), AADC (Aus), Creative Circle (UK) and the Roses Awards (UK).
Says Ford: “It has been a wonderful five and a half years at TBWA but I’m ready for a new challenge.
“I feel incredibly excited and energised to be joining DDB Sydney. It’s a phenomenal agency with both amazing clients and talented people, I can’t wait to get stuck in.”
Ford will work alongside Welsh across clients.
22 Comments
That’s a massive coup. Congratulations to Tara and to DDB.
Brilliant move by DDB. So good to see a female ECD. Hope we get to see more of these hires in adland.
Huge congrats to my mate. Power to you girl. Melbourne will miss you.
Congrats Tara & DDB. We wish you all the best and will watch on with pride.
Brilliant move DDB. Congrats Tara. Change from the top down.
Amazing win for DDB.
Congratulations, Tara. Well earned!
Awesome. Congrats Tara! Have fun in Sydney.
In over 15 years of advertising I’ve never commented on this blog before – but this has compelled me to do so. What a credit to Tara’s enormous talent, and what a credit to DDB for making the hire. As a competitor I’m filled with both envy and nerves. As a proud part of the industry I can’t wait to see the impact Tara makes in partnership with Ben and the team. Well done to all.
Love to see a female ECD. Great move DDB 🙂
Well done Tara. Great to read.
Freaking well done DDB. Seriously good hire.
Congrats Tara – we’re all so excited to have you onboard
Such a fan of this hugely talented human. Incredibly creative, super humble and an all round boss lady. Go Tara – I’ll be watching you crush it from the other wise of the globe.
massive congratulations lady.
I know you’ll crush it.
Who run the world, girls!
YEAH YOU DID!!!
I left DDB a few years ago and was certain I would never return to the cesspool of wank-douchery. Until this. Good move DDB – it looks like you’re finally ready to really try and be the agency you keep saying you are. Clients will benefit, and creatives will come knocking.
Congratulations Tara …. so well deserved. DDB are bloody lucky to have snared you … you will make them proud x
Could someone describe the actual role differences between Chief Creative Officer & Executive Creative Director?
A complete, itemised list will do.
A CCO is the new name for an ECD, which is the new name for a CD which is the new name for a senior creative.
DDB Sydney needs a new couch!!!
OMG – how bad are those cushions!!!
They need to visit Nick Scali ASAP