Melbourne brand consultancy SouthSouthWest expands with newly launched publishing division

Melbourne-based brand consultancy SouthSouthWest is moving into 2019 with an expanded leadership team. Founders Andy Sargent and Jonathan Price have been joined by Tim Smith as business director and Ben Birchall as director of publishing. The appointments reflect an expansion of SouthSouthWest’s established branding, design and storytelling offering into publishing and joint ventures.

Founded days after the launch of the first iPhone, SouthSouthWest have developed into one of the world’s leading brand consultancies, working with the likes of Nike, Google and Tesla. 2018 has seen them create brands and experiences for US sporting retail powerhouse House Of Hoops by Footlocker as well as leading Asian retailer ABC Mart Grand Stage. It also saw them develop digital experiences for leaders in tech like Blockchain Association and crypto platform Horizon State as well as thumb-stopping content for Nike Australia, Tait Furniture and Travel Insurance Direct.

But the most notable shift has been into publishing. In March, SSW partnered with Archetype Media to launch running culture publication Tempo Journal. And in October, SSW launched Mambo World, a publishing platform for iconic Australian brand Mambo. To head up the newly formed division, Ben Birchall joins from CHE Proximity where he was a creative director and head of editorial division The Newsroom. He’s also done stints at Clemenger BBDO, Smith Journal, Crikey and hosted 3RRR FM’s Breakfasters program.

Says Jonathan Price, co-founder and director of strategy: “We’ve been aware of Ben for many years and love the fact that he understands how to earn audiences through great content. We’re pleased he’s finally come to his senses and got out of advertising.”

Says Birchall: “SouthSouthWest are in the top few branding agencies in the world, and with Tempo have already proved they know how to create brilliant publications. If anyone can figure out how to make publishing work in 2019, I reckon we’re in with a shot.”

To round out the SouthSouthWest management team, Tim Smith was recently appointed as business director. Smith joins following a short spell at tech startup TigerPistol, prior to which he was general manager at Studio Round, and brings a wealth of experience to the team.

Says Sargent: “As a consultancy that swings between tech giants, bootstrapping startups and our own ventures, we needed somebody who can think strategically but also roll up their sleeves and get things done. Tim does exactly that.”