SOLVD appoints award-winning art director Dan Stephens as its first Creative Director

Newcastle-based independent media and creative consultancy SOLVD has appointed award-winning creative Dan Stephens as its inaugural Creative Director.

In the newly created role, Stephens will lead the agency’s creative vision across brand, campaign and content, working closely with SOLVD’s strategy, design, account service and production teams to develop insightful ideas that drive meaningful impact for clients.

Stephens is best known for his work on the widely recognised “Ken Oath” campaign for Kennards Hire, as well as projects for Spotify, BHP and the Newcastle Knights. With close to two decades of experience across production houses, creative agencies and media companies in Sydney and Newcastle, he brings deep cross-disciplinary expertise to the role.

Prior to joining SOLVD, Stephens was Senior Art Director at Enigma, delivering integrated campaigns, corporate identity and brand development for clients including Carlton & United Breweries, TAL, Transport for NSW and SunRice. He also spent several years at oOh!media, leading creative across large-format billboards, retail and airport environments for brands such as Sydney Airport and Google.

His work has been recognised nationally, including a Gold Croc at the 2024 Cairns Crocodile Awards for Best B2B Campaign for the Kennards Hire “Ken Oath” campaign.

Says SOLVD Principal Consultant, Sam Gannon: “Dan is an important addition to the SOLVD team, bringing strong creative muscle to our key clients and taking us to the next level in our creative thinking.

“Adding our first-ever full-time Creative Director to our team is testament to our growth in recent years on the back of several successful client wins, the launch of our new media division, and our recognition on the AFR Fast Starters list.”

“Dan’s appointment demonstrates that we are focused on insightful creativity that drives real results, and we’re embedding that ethos across every department, because here, creativity isn’t just a department.”

Says Stephens: “I’ve always taken a hands-on approach to shaping ideas, from insight through to execution, ensuring the work is smart, distinctive and beautifully crafted. The opportunity to bring that mindset to SOLVD and lead the creative direction alongside such a talented team is incredibly exciting.”

“Working in Newcastle is also important to me. I’m keen to unlock creative opportunities in regional centres, and it’s great to be part of an independent, forward-thinking regional agency.”

SOLVD is a full-service communications and marketing consultancy. Its clients include Reflections Holiday Parks, PKF, Third.i Group, Glencore, Surfest, University of Newcastle, Noveco Surfaces and Hunter Water Corporation, among others.

Stephens’ appointment is effective immediately.

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