Former Clemenger BBDO Melbourne CDs Toby Moore and Luke Thompson join Special Group

Creative director duo Toby Moore and Luke Thompson join leading independent creative company Special Group Australia following a period of significant growth for the business.

Throughout their careers both Moore (right) and Thompson (left) have worked with leading brands and agencies across the globe. Moore has created work for brands including Nike, Coca-Cola, Corona and Samsung at widely acclaimed agencies such as Publicis Mojo, Fallon London, Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam and London and most recently Clemenger BBDO Melbourne. Lauded creative director, Thompson, has delivered the creative product for brands Carlton Draught, NAB, Tourism Victoria, TAC and Volvo and held positions at Taxi and Cliff Freeman and Partners in New York and until recently, Clemenger BBDO Melbourne.

Moore and Thompson are the first creative hires for the recently launched Melbourne office. Since the launch of Special Group’s Melbourne office, the creative company has secured the account for iconic Australian brand Bonds, made a raft of new hires, been crowned B&T Agency of the Year as well as taking home Independent Agency of the Year at the B&T and AdNews Awards.

Says Julian Schreiber, partner and CCO, Special Group Australia: “When we opened our office in Melbourne, we knew our founding creative hires had to not just be incredibly high calibre creative talent, but intuitive creative leaders. Toby and Luke are not only excellent humans, but their enviable body of work and experience shows they more than meet the brief. We’re beyond excited to have them come on board.”

Says Moore: “To be joining Australasia’s leading independent creative company at a time when they’re opening their doors in Melbourne, while also putting Australian creativity on the international stage, is truly exciting. We’re looking forward to building a world-class creative team here in Melbourne.”

Says Thompson: “It is not often that you get the opportunity to join an Australasian independent that’s opened two offices on opposite sides of the world, during a global pandemic. Not only does Special Group make great creative work, but its culture of open, kind and brave is incredibly appealing to me. I’m really looking forward to working with Tom and Jules again and can’t wait to build the Melbourne side of the business with Bec, Paige and the Special Group team.”

Says Bec Stambanis, founding partner – Melbourne: “Establishing our Melbourne offering over the past few months has been so exciting. The growth and achievements of both the business and team has already been incredible to watch. Toby and Luke will no doubt add invaluable experience and craft to both Special Group and our clients.”